Do virtual reality-based therapies affect symptomatology and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-based therapies on symptomatology and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials involving virtual reality therapies for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Included 9 eligible trials from a total of 2878 unique studies.
Used random-effects models and assessed risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute Risk of Bias Tool.
Virtual reality therapies significantly reduced overall psychotic symptoms (Hedges’ g = 0.53, p = 0.037).
No significant effects were found on positive, negative, depressive, or paranoia symptoms.
Findings differed from prior reviews, indicating possible heterogeneity in outcomes from existing interventions.