Transcript The Use of Virtual Reality in Clinical Psychology

The Use of Virtual Reality
in Clinical Psychology
Jo Hunt
Cara Heneghan
Jemma Hogwood
Kelly Harris
Virtual reality used in…
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Phobias
PTSD
Male sexual dysfunction
Schizophrenia
Addictions
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Eating disorders
Obesity
Why is it used?
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Active participation with 3D world
Learn to manipulate problems
High level of control
Safer, less embarrassing
Administered in traditional setting
Potential for visualisation
Active learning – encourages motivation
Objectively measure behaviour
Individualise treatment
Riva 2005; Mantovani et al 2003; Weiss & Katz 2004
The Controversy
Can therapeutic
experiences in the
virtual environment be
successfully transferred
to real life situations?
Treatments for obesity
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Exercise and dieting
Pharmacological drugs
Surgery
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Self help groups
Telephone therapy
Internet & e-mail
Virtual Reality
Riva 2005; Sutton 2005
The Case Study
Riva et al 2001
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Experimental: 7 sessions of VR
Treatment including low-calorie diet &
exercise
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Control: No VR sessions
Same diet & exercise programme &
psycho-nutritional group.
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VREDIM (VR for Eating Disorders modification)
VEBIM (Virtual Environment for Body image
modification)
Methodology
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Psychometric Tests & Assessments
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FRS (Figure Rating Scale) Thompson & Altabe
(1991)
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CDRS (Contour Drawing Rating Scale)
Thompson & Gray
(1995)
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Also combines therapeutic methods:
Socratic, Miracle Question, Cognitive and
Behavioural approaches.
Head Mounted Display system
Joystick
The Zones
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Zone 1: Stimuli that elicits abnormal eating
behaviours
 Miracle Question: Imagine life without
the complaint.
Other Zones: To assess & modify
symptoms of anxiety related to food
exposure: Intergrating CBT methods
(including Countering and Label Shifting).
Throughout all sessions the therapist uses
the Socratic Style.
Results
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Experimental: Reduced body dissatisfaction
Reduced level of anxiety
Increased self-efficacy
Reduced over-eating
Weight loss (mean 11.33kg)
Control:
Increased exercise
Improved ability and anxiety
scores
Weight loss (mean 7.58kg)
Advantages
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Integration of different methods.
VR enhanced traditional methods due to
increased presence.
Impacted aspects of body image
disturbance not usually addressed by CBT:
- self-efficacy
- body experience disturbances
Body Image
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Self-efficacy:
- Increased control and motivation to
change.
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Body Experience Disturbances:
- New experience and awareness
of body.
- Modified attitude to body due to
differentiation between
assumption and perception.
Criticisms of Study
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The study only provides preliminary
results
The social aspect of obesity? (The
Psychologist, April 2005)
High cost, low access
The Controversy
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Can the experiences of the virtual
environment be transferred to the real
world?
Results suggest in this case… Yes!
BUT… some issues to consider
• Lack of qualitative evaluations from the
client perspective
• Role of motivation
• Role of the therapist
• Clear clinical guidelines needed
Conclusion
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Not suggesting isolated use of VR
Integration of traditional
psychological therapies into the VE
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Cognitive
Behavioural
Psychodynamic
Experiential
(Riva 2003)
Different aspects of problem are
made accessible
References
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Mantovani, F., and Castelnuovo, G., (2003). Sense of presence in virtual
training: enhancing skills acquisition and transfer of knowledge through
learning experience in virtual environments. In: Riva, G., Davide, F., and
Ijsselsteijn, W.A., eds., Being there: concepts, effects and measurement of
user presence in synthetic environments. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
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Riva, G., (2005). Virtual reality in the treatment of eating disorders and
obesity. IT and Communications. www.cybertherapy.info
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Riva, G., (2003). Virtual Environments in Clinical Psychology.
Psychotherapy: theory/research/practice/training, Vol 40(1/2), pp.1-9.
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Riva, G., Bacchetta, M., Baruffi, M. and Molinari, E., (2001). Virtual Realitybased multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image
disturbances in obesity: a controlled study. CyberPsychology and
Behaviour, Vol 4(4), pp.511-526.
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Sutton, J., ed., (2005). A Big Issue (Special Feature). Psychologist, 18(4),
pp.215-226.
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Weiss, P.L. and Katz, N. (2004). The potential of virtual reality for
rehabilitation. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 41(5).