Virtual reality (VR) is being used more and more often as a therapeutic tool in psychology or psychiatry. In recent years, VR interventions appear more extensively also in disorders such as depression, anxiety and phobia. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive synthesis and critical review of the literature to identify future directions to advance the field in this area. To broadly characterize the literature to date on the application of VR in psychiatric disorders by conducting a systematic review of reviews, describe the limitations of existing research, suggest avenues for future research to address gaps in the current literature and provide practical recommendations for incorporating VR into various treatments for psychiatric disorders. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for reviews on VR use in psychiatric disorders (e.g. various pain perceptions, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychosis, depression). The methodological quality of each literature review was assessed using AMSTAR. The original search identified 848 reviews, of which 70 were included in the systematic review of reviews. Broadly, the literature indicates that various VR interventions could be useful in different psychiatric disorders. This study provides evidence supporting the positive impact of VR therapy in psychiatric disorders. However, the impact is defined differently according to the studied area. Nevertheless, due to the continuous development of VR hardware and software, it is essential to conduct further research in the area of psychiatric disorders, especially as no review has concluded that VR does not work.

Background/Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a six-month physical training undertaken by haemodialysis (HD) patients, on the depression and anxiety. Methods: Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) were recruited from the dialysis station at the Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine in Wroclaw. Physical training took place at the beginning of the first 4-hours of dialysis, three times a week for six months. A personal questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used in the study. Results: A total of 28 patients completed the study: 20 were randomised to endurance training and 8 were randomised to resistance training. Statistical analysis of depression and anxiety at the initial (t1) and final examination (t2) indicated a significant reduction in depression and anxiety, particularly anxiety as a trait (X2) in the whole study group. The change in anxiety as a state correlated with the disease duration, duration of dialysis and the initial level of anxiety as a state (t1X1). The change in anxiety as a trait significantly correlated with age and the initial level of anxiety (t1X2). Conclusions: Undertaking physical training during dialysis by patients with ESRD is beneficial in reducing their levels of anxiety and depression. Both resistance and endurance training improves mood, but only endurance training additionally results in anxiety reduction.

Introduction: Belief in one’s personal capabilities are conducive to achieving success and provides additional energy for action. The stronger the conviction of one’s self-efficacy, the higher the self-goals and the stronger the commitment to achieving them, despite any adversities. Our knowledge regarding the role of self-efficacy in post-stroke rehabilitation is still scarce. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to analyze characteristics related to high self-efficacy levels before and after rehabilitation and to determine the role of self-efficacy in this process. Materials and Methods: The study involved 99 stroke survivors. Participants’ mental and functional state were assessed using Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Barthel Index (BI), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Patients were evaluated twice: on admission (T₁) and 3 weeks into rehabilitation (T₂). Results: Patients without self-efficacy improvement after 3 weeks of rehabilitation, on discharge from the ward demonstrated poorer well-being (p = 0.002, Hedges’ g = 0.63, 95% CI [0.24– 1.08]), lower illness acceptance levels (p < 0.001, Hedges’ g = − 0.78, 95% CI [− 1.25 – − 0.41]), poorer functional status in basic activities of daily living (p = 0.003, Hedges’ g = − 0.62, 95% CI [− 1 – − 0.25]), locomotive abilities (p = 0.004, Hedges’ g = − 0.58, 95% CI [− 1.12 – − 0.15]) and instrumental activities of daily living (p = 0.001, Hedges’ g = − 0.71, 95% CI [− 1.15 – − 0.34]). Conclusion: Self-efficacy level is significantly related to rehabilitation outcomes. A routine self-efficacy assessment during the rehabilitation process seems very important. Patients whose initial self-efficacy is low or remains unchanged despite rehabilitation require special attention. Close cooperation between all members of the therapeutic team is essential to strengthen, at each stage, the sense of self-efficacy in stroke survivors.

Anxiety has been estimated to occur in 21–96% and depression in 27–79% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). We found a scarcity of literature providing evidence on how virtual reality (VR) therapy affects the intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and stress levels in COPD patients undergoing in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study enrolled 50 COPD patients with symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, randomly assigned to one of two groups. The two groups participated in the traditional PR programme additionally: the VR-group performed 10 sessions of immersive VR-therapy and the control group performed 10 sessions of Schultz autogenic training. Comparison of the changes in stress levels and depressive and anxiety symptoms was the primary outcome. Analysis of the results showed a reduction in stress levels only in the VR-group (p < 0.0069), with a medium effect size (d = 0.353). The symptoms of depression (p < 0.001, d = 0.836) and anxiety (p < 0.0009, d = 0.631) were statistically significantly reduced only in the VR-group, with a strong effect size. The enrichment of pulmonary rehabilitation with immersive VR therapy brings benefits in terms of mood improvement and reduction in anxiety and stress in patients with COPD.

Virtual reality (VR), also called phantomatics, is an image of artificial reality created entirely in three-dimensional graphics with the use of information technology. VR makes it possible to experience the imaginary world as if it was real, where sensory data are delivered to the brain through a specialized system. The purpose of virtual medicine is to minimize direct contact and impact on human body during treatment. Taking into consideration the increasing accessibility of high quality electronic devices, their immense computing powers, and the continuously developing Internet infrastructure, the advancement in this area is only a matter of time. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the applications of VR in medicine, focusing on the areas of psychiatry and rehabilitation and considering guidelines for future research.

Purpose: Depressive symptoms constitute an important group of mental problems that alter the course of post-stroke rehabilitation by reducing quality of life, physical activity, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. Although several studies have shown the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in the motor treatment of poststroke patients, there is a lack of studies that would also evaluate the impact of VR on psychological aspects. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of immersive VR therapy on both functional activity and depressive symptoms in stroke survivors. Patients and Methods: We conducted a single blind, randomized controlled trial comparing VR therapy with Schultz’s Autogenic Training (SAT). Patients randomized to the VR group received treatment in an immersive VR therapeutic garden with elements of psychotherapy and physical activity of the upper extremities, whereas patients in the control group received SAT. Additionally, patients in both groups received standard neurological rehabilitation. The full research cycle lasted six weeks. We used Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and Rivermead Motor Assessment for outcome assessment. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03830372). Results: We assessed 60 patients and randomly assigned to the VR or control group. The VR group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (ηp² = 0.13, p < 0.01) compared to SAT. The applied VR therapy significantly increased the sense of self-efficacy and the level of acceptance of the illness; however, this effect was similar to that obtained with the standard intervention. We did not observe statistically significant changes in the functional parameters of post-stroke patients. Conclusion: The use of VR therapy combined with neurological rehabilitation had a positive effect on improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients.