Psychedelic replications in virtual reality and their potential as a therapeutic instrument: an open-label feasibility study.
VR-augmented therapy
altered states of consciousness (ASC)
depression
depressive disorder
psychedelics
therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics
therapy
virtual reality
Journal
Frontiers in psychiatry
ISSN: 1664-0640
Titre abrégé: Front Psychiatry
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 101545006
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2023
2023
Historique:
received:
03
11
2022
accepted:
10
02
2023
pubmed:
21
3
2023
medline:
21
3
2023
entrez:
20
3
2023
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Recent research has shown promising results for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. One popular view claims that these benefits are mediated by the subjective experiences induced by these substances. Based on this, we designed a virtual reality experience, Psyrreal, that mimics the phenomenological components of psychedelic experiences. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Psyrreal and psychedelic VR experiences in treating depressive symptoms as well as explore the effect of Psyrreal on subjective factors which have been suggested to mediate the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. In this open-label feasibility study, thirteen participants with mild-to-moderate depression underwent a 2-day therapeutic intervention implementing Psyrreal. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2) at the start of the intervention and 2 weeks after. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews after Psyrreal was also conducted as an additional assessment of the method. A 2-day intervention implementing Psyrreal led to significant decreases in depressive symptoms at the 2-week follow-up ( This work proposes a novel method using virtual reality to augment the treatment of psychological disorders as well as to precisely investigate the mediating subjective factors of the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances. Our preliminary results suggest that VR experiences combined with psychological support show potential in treating depressive symptoms and further research into similar methods is warranted.
Sections du résumé
Background
UNASSIGNED
Recent research has shown promising results for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. One popular view claims that these benefits are mediated by the subjective experiences induced by these substances. Based on this, we designed a virtual reality experience, Psyrreal, that mimics the phenomenological components of psychedelic experiences.
Aims
UNASSIGNED
We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Psyrreal and psychedelic VR experiences in treating depressive symptoms as well as explore the effect of Psyrreal on subjective factors which have been suggested to mediate the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
Methods
UNASSIGNED
In this open-label feasibility study, thirteen participants with mild-to-moderate depression underwent a 2-day therapeutic intervention implementing Psyrreal. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2) at the start of the intervention and 2 weeks after. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews after Psyrreal was also conducted as an additional assessment of the method.
Results
UNASSIGNED
A 2-day intervention implementing Psyrreal led to significant decreases in depressive symptoms at the 2-week follow-up (
Conclusion
UNASSIGNED
This work proposes a novel method using virtual reality to augment the treatment of psychological disorders as well as to precisely investigate the mediating subjective factors of the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances. Our preliminary results suggest that VR experiences combined with psychological support show potential in treating depressive symptoms and further research into similar methods is warranted.
Identifiants
pubmed: 36937731
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1088896
pmc: PMC10022432
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
1088896Commentaires et corrections
Type : ErratumIn
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2023 Kaup, Vasser, Tulver, Munk, Pikamäe and Aru.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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