Virtual Reality in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This article aims to present a systematic review of the impact of Virtual Reality on Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in adults. In recent years, the progressively fast development of new technologies is also affecting the field of psychotherapy. Indeed, there is a widespread use of online digitalized mental health services such as computer-mediated psychotherapy. In the cure of Social Anxiety Disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy uses in vivo exposure therapy, a particularly appropriate technique for implementation in Virtual Reality. Recent studies have examined the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. Therefore, the aim of our systematic review is to summarize the information from randomized controlled trials on the use of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. After a careful review, 5 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The results showed significant efficacy of both virtual reality exposure therapy and in vivo exposure therapy. However, virtual reality exposure therapy was found to be more beneficial in terms of cost, time, confidentiality, and practitioner burden, implying interesting CogInfoCom implications.