In this practice-oriented CME webinar, Carola Epple presented current findings on the application of virtual reality-based exposure therapy (VRET) for stress-related disorders – with a focus on outpatient settings for physiological stress reduction, relaxation, and regulation.
Focus Areas of the Webinar:
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Diverse evidence of the effectiveness of VR in stress
Studies show that virtual reality applications can significantly reduce subjective, physiological, and psychological stress symptoms. VR thus offers a valuable tool for promoting relaxation in psychotherapeutic practice, e.g.: - Mazgelytė et al. (2021) conducted a controlled study with 43 healthy participants to investigate the effects of various VR-based relaxation techniques on psychological, physiological, and biochemical stress indicators. All VR-based relaxation techniques significantly reduced the levels of stress hormones (cortisol, cortisone, and total glucocorticoids) in saliva and increased the galvanic skin response values.
- Van Dammen et al. (2022)
presented a systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 studies that examined VR stress tasks and biomarkers. The analysis showed statistically significant changes from baseline to peak in cortisol (0.56, 0.28-0.83), heart rate (0.68, 0.53-0.82), galvanic skin response (0.59, 0.36-0.82), systolic blood pressure (0.55, 0.19-0.90), diastolic blood pressure (0.64, 0.23-1.05), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (-0.59, -0.88 to -0.30), and salivary alpha-amylase.
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Combination of VR and Biofeedback – Practically Implemented
While complex biofeedback systems are combined with VR in clinical settings, practicing therapists use pragmatic solutions like sports watches. These allow patients to objectively observe and better regulate their physical reactions. -
VR for home: Creating routines, lowering barriers
The use of VR outside of therapy – e.g., at home – can help establish a regular relaxation practice and provide low-threshold support for patients. -
Applications beyond classical practice
Relaxation scenarios in VR are suitable for directing attention even in challenging environments: in oncology or isolation wards, with pain patients, in child and adolescent psychiatry, or at the end of demanding therapy sessions – e.g., in the waiting area or as a conscious concluding intervention.
Conclusion:
The webinar impressively demonstrates how VR technology can be practically applied in outpatient care – with positive effects for patients and therapists.
Further literature references:
- Ribé-Vines, J. et al. (2023). Efficacy of virtual-reality-based exposure therapy for the treatment fear of flying: a systematic review. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 16
- Difede, J. et al. (2022). Enhancing exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a randomized clinical trial of virtual reality and imaginal exposure with a cognitive enhancer. Transl. Psychiatry 12, 299.
