Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
PulseExploreClubsResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeClubsExplore
June 20, 2026BJPsych OpenOpen Access

Do virtual reality-based therapies affect symptomatology and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

GCGeorge Alexander ColganKNKelvin Kwok Lap NgDSDan Siskind

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Systematic review shows virtual reality therapies reduce psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting potential treatment benefits.

Key Points

  • This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-based therapies on symptomatology and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
  • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials involving virtual reality therapies for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
  • Included 9 eligible trials from a total of 2878 unique studies.
  • Used random-effects models and assessed risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute Risk of Bias Tool.
  • Virtual reality therapies significantly reduced overall psychotic symptoms (Hedges’ g = 0.53, p = 0.037).
  • No significant effects were found on positive, negative, depressive, or paranoia symptoms.
  • Findings differed from prior reviews, indicating possible heterogeneity in outcomes from existing interventions.

Cite This Study

Colgan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a362e91db0793dc1a53636fhttps://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2026.12012
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Virtual reality in treatment of psychological disorders: a systematic review2026
  2. 2Virtual Reality for the Treatment of Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2026
  3. 3The impact of virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy on mental disorders among children and youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis2025 · 2 citations
  4. 4Virtual reality in autism and physical therapy: a meta-analytical review of clinical outcomes and therapeutic efficacy2026
  5. 5Findings from RCT’s on virtual reality-based interventions for auditory hallucinations and paranoia2025