Virtual Reality in Psychology: Development and Validation of an Exposure Therapy System

Virtual Reality (VR) is positioned to transform the treatment of psychological conditions, by overcoming the disconnect between clients’ lived experiences and clinical or research settings. In aide of this, a novel VR exposure therapy system was developed and validated in people with moderate-severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Promisingly, when participant responses were compared to the existing best-practice in psychotherapy, equivalent heart and respiration rates, and self-reported anxiety, were produced. VR helps patients engage better with their treatment and maintains the therapeutic relationship. These findings can improve treatment for the 3 percent of people worldwide living with severe functional impacts of OCD.