Virtual reality-based theory of mind intervention in schizophrenia: Preliminary efficacy results

Autor: Edit Vass, Viktória Simon, Gábor Csukly, Zita Fekete, Balázs Kis, Lajos Simon
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Comprehensive Psychiatry, Vol 119, Iss , Pp 152350- (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 0010-440X
59603097
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152350
Popis: Background: In recent years, a growing body of literature has supported the core nature and functional significance of Theory of Mind (ToM) deficit in schizophrenia. These findings have made ToM impairment a promising treatment target. However, despite the encouraging results, its complexity makes it difficult to develop new interventions and even to understand the exact nature and scope of the deficit. Yet, further investigation has suggested that using modern technology and multilevel assessment may help solve the problem. Methods: Virtual Reality-based Theory of Mind Intervention (VR-ToMIS) is a recently developed structured method using the combination of cognitive and behavioral therapeutic techniques and the advantages of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. A controlled study with a three-month follow-up was conducted with 42 patients (suffering from schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder) randomly assigned to either an experimental (VR-ToMIS) or control group (passive-VR). Repeated two-way factorial analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effects of VR-ToMIS on symptoms, neuro- and social cognition, pragmatic skills, and quality of life when the effect of IQ was controlled. Results: Patients participating in VR-ToMIS showed significant improvements in all types of ToM tasks (except for hyper-ToM task, based on the results of Cartoon test, Faux pas test and and Baron-Cohen Minds in the Eyes Test) compared to the control group with moderate to large effect sizes. In the case of negative and cognitive symptoms, significant between-group differences were also supported. Improvement was moderated by IQ in the case of higher-order ToM, manner, and relevance implicatures. Results were proved to be sustainable three months after the treatment. Conclusion: Although the presented results are considered preliminary, they support the potential of the integration of modern technology and traditional methods for future interventions.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals