Everyday People Matter

Virtual Reality and Schizophrenia Treatment

| Jun 25, 2018 | Schizophrenia

 

New techniques in the treatment of schizophrenia center on a very unlikely technology- virtual reality.  Studies into the use of virtual reality treatment for the treatment of schizophrenia are yielding promising results.

According to clinical psychologists, who are currently experimenting with the use of virtual reality to treat different forms of psychosis like schizophrenia, this is a very safe method to use in patients who suffer from psychosis. Patients do not report worsening of symptoms, like hallucinations and delusions, and there is no adverse data, like an increase in hospital admission numbers, associated with the use of virtual reality therapy.

Doctors have been using virtual reality techniques on patients, especially those who have suffered from the condition for a long time.  In one study, patients engaged in cognitive training in which they were required to make their way through a seascape, avoiding dangers, like sharks in the water. The researchers found that patients who underwent such treatment actually showed higher overall cognitive scores compared to patients who received typical treatment at a facility.

In another study, researchers found that patients who had virtual reality training reported higher test scores in executive function than those who had conventional treatment or therapy. Doctors have also been using virtual reality to help patients with schizophrenia increase their job suitability by improving their interview skills. Even here, virtual reality was found to have an edge.  Patients who underwent virtual reality training reported higher scores on online interview tests compared to those who underwent conventional treatment.

If your loved one suffers from schizophrenia, he or she may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Talk to Atlanta Social Security disability attorney Lisa Siegel, and understand your legal rights to a claim.