Oxford University VR spinout demonstrates significant psychotherapy benefits in Lancet study

Virtual reality can help treat symptoms in patients with psychosis, according to a new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

GameChangeVR automates psychotherapy, guiding users with a virtual coach. It was developed by OxfordVR, a digital therapeutics company, the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. In an announcement, OxfordVR claimed to be the first digital therapeutic to successfully show positive results in these types of patients and claimed this to be the largest ever clinical trial of VR for mental health. 

The study, based on 346 patients, found that automated VR therapy led to “significant reductions” in symptoms of anxious avoidance and distress. The technology especially benefited those with severe symptoms. The study concluded that the technology has the potential to increase access to effective care for psychosis.