OxfordVR uses virtual reality headsets to guide patients through everyday situations like going to a store, riding a bus, or visiting a doctor’s office which can cause fear and anxiety for those suffering from psychosis. The prescription service relies on automated prompts to deliver cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy that tries to teach skills to manage or modify behavior, over a six-week course.
Studies have demonstrated VR’s extraordinary potential to deliver rapid, lasting improvements in psychological health
Patients go into the situations they find difficult and practice more helpful ways of thinking and behaving. This is often impractical in face-to-face therapy, but easily done in VR.
OVR therapy is automated using a virtual coach for therapy delivery, standardizing clinical excellence and adherence to protocol with genuine ease of use.
It is well documented that what works best is active coaching in the situations that trouble people, helping patients move beyond their fears. However, this is difficult without a skilled therapist who has the time to get out and about with patients. Equally, patients can often find the idea frightening.
Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental health disorder that can affect individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Their 350 patient clinical trial, published in Lancet Psychiatry, shows positive effects in psychosis patients – reducing avoidance, distress, and paranoia
The gamechanger study will take people into sophisticated simulations of the real-life scenarios they find troubling. These scenarios are delivered in a graduated way so patients are never presented with situations beyond their ability to cope.
Each VR treatment uses high-quality simulations that promote the best clinical experience.
In VR it can create powerful simulations of the scenarios in which psychological difficulties occur, providing a safe space to try new behavior.
Social Engagement ™
Social Engagement™ is a ground-breaking mental health intervention that uses virtual reality technology to help individuals overcome anxious social avoidance.
Anxious social avoidance is prevalent in many different mental health conditions inculduing agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
The social engagement program implements proven, evidence-based psychological techniques.
Social engagement™ is now available to NHS patients via providers of NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and other UK mental healthcare providers.
Despite a simulated environment, the mind and body behave as if it were real. This means that the lessons learned in VR transfer into everyday life