Rethinking diagnostics: How virtual reality makes psychotherapeutic diagnostics more precise and human - Insights from the CME webinar by virtuallythere
Why diagnostics is more than just a questionnaire
Diagnosis is the foundation of any effective psychotherapy. It determines which interventions are chosen, how individualized the therapy is designed, and whether patients feel understood at all. However, especially in times of social upheaval, increasing psychological stress, and growing complexity of mental disorders, traditional diagnostic methods such as interviews or questionnaires reach their limits. Symptoms remain vague, and causes are obscured. The therapeutic relationship suffers – often along with the motivation for change.
Virtual Reality (VR) comes into play exactly here: as a vibrant, dynamic complement to traditional diagnostics. The expert input from virtuallythere has demonstrated how VR helps to make symptoms tangible, identify hidden causes, and sharpen diagnoses precisely – scientifically grounded, practical, and human-centered..
Virtual Reality in Diagnostics – What Does the Research Say?
Meta-analyses show: VR exposures are at least as effective for anxiety disorders as traditional confrontations in reality. However, it is no longer just about treatment – VR is also impressive in diagnostics. Virtual scenarios elicit real emotional, cognitive, and physiological reactions. Patients immerse themselves in realistic situations that can be specifically used for diagnostic purposes.
What does that mean specifically?
- Standardized and controlled confrontation with stressful situations – flexibly applicable and individually customizable
- Multimodal Assessment: Therapists observe not only behavior but also body language, stress reactions, and thought content – directly at the moment of experience
- Hypothesis testing in real time: Where are the true triggers? What reaction does the exposure show, and what does the conversation reveal? This is how diagnoses become more accurate.
- More motivation and acceptance: The immersive experience increases engagement – and often also trust in the therapeutic work.
Diagnostics in Action – Two Examples from Practice
Fall 1: Wenn Autofahren Angst macht
A patient suffered from severe anxiety while driving. However, it was only through VR exposure that the actual cause came to light: not the act of driving itself, but the fear of a possible hypoglycemic episode due to her diabetes – and the accompanying loss of control. The therapy was adjusted, and an underlying traumatic experience was addressed.
Case 2: Fear of Flying with Depth
In another case, a patient exhibited strong emotional reactions during a VR simulation of a flight. The analysis revealed that the focus was not on the fear of flying itself, but on deeper issues such as trust and self-worth. Thanks to VR, these aspects could be specifically made visible and therapeutically addressed.
Voices from Practice
“I was really surprised that in Virtual Reality, the feeling arose of being away from ‘home.’ Nowadays, I keep using the VR headset to spontaneously check out different possibilities. This way, I can make diagnoses more easily.”
– Dr. Meike Tenbergen, Psychological Psychotherapist
“I was able to make the problem truly emotionally tangible for the patient with the help of virtual reality. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have arrived at the topic of trust so quickly and naturally.”
– Mario Melcher, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
Wide range of applications – from phobias to addiction
- Anxiety disorders: VR exposures are not only effective but also recommended according to the S3 guidelines.
- Social Phobia: VRET achieves comparable effectiveness to real confrontation – with sometimes higher therapy adherence.
- Addiction disorders: In relapse prevention, patients are specifically confronted with addiction triggers to regulate cravings and practice new strategies.
- Trauma-related disorders & stress: VR enables controlled confrontation with distressing memories – while providing a sense of safety.
Opportunities and Ethical Responsibility
VR makes diagnostics not only more objective but also participatory. Patients actively experience themselves, reflect on their reactions, and gain self-confidence. At the same time, it is important to note that VR does not replace clinical expertise. It is a tool – and like any tool, it should be used responsibly. Technical equipment, data protection, physical compatibility, and ethical considerations are all part of professional application.
Conclusion: More than Technology – a Human Advancement
Virtual reality opens up new possibilities for psychotherapeutic diagnostics. It can facilitate access to difficult topics, improve communication between therapist and patient, and strengthen the transfer to everyday life. Above all: it opens new ways to better understand people.
Here you will find the recording of the expert impulse and additional materials:
👉 Download: Diagnostik unterstützen mit VR
👉 Download: S3 Leitlinie Angststörungen
