scholarly journals Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality (DiSCoVR) for People With a Psychotic Disorder: Single-Group Feasibility and Acceptability Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Anne Nijman ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Kirstin Greaves-Lord ◽  
Maarten Vos ◽  
Catharina Elizabeth Regina Zandee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Preliminary Treatment ◽  
Single Group ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Social Cognition Training

BACKGROUND People with a psychotic disorder commonly experience problems in social cognition and functioning. Social cognition training (SCT) improves social cognition, but may inadequately simulate real-life social interactions. Virtual reality (VR) provides a realistic, interactive, customizable, and controllable training environment, which could facilitate the application of skills in daily life. OBJECTIVE We developed a 16-session immersive VR SCT (Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality [DiSCoVR]) and conducted a single-group feasibility pilot study. METHODS A total of 22 people with a psychotic disorder and reported problems in social cognition participated. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a survey for participants and therapists, and by examining relevant parameters (eg, dropouts). We analyzed preliminary treatment effects on social cognition, neurocognition, and psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS A total of 17 participants completed the study. Participants enjoyed DiSCoVR (mean 7.25, SD 2.05; range 3-10), thought it was useful for daily social activities (mean 7.00, SD 2.05; range 3-10), and enjoyed the combination of VR and a therapist (mean 7.85, SD 2.11; range 3-10). The most frequently mentioned strength of DiSCoVR was the opportunity to practice with personalized social situations (14/20, 70%). A significant improvement of emotion perception was observed (Ekman 60 Faces; t<sub>16</sub>=–4.79, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, <i>d</i>=–0.67), but no significant change was found in other measures of social cognition, neurocognition, psychiatric symptoms, or self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS DiSCoVR was feasible and acceptable to participants and therapists, and may improve emotion perception.

scholarly journals Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality (DiSCoVR) for People With a Psychotic Disorder: Single-Group Feasibility and Acceptability Study

10.2196/17808 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e17808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Anne Nijman ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Kirstin Greaves-Lord ◽  
Maarten Vos ◽  
Catharina Elizabeth Regina Zandee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Preliminary Treatment ◽  
Single Group ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Social Cognition Training

Background People with a psychotic disorder commonly experience problems in social cognition and functioning. Social cognition training (SCT) improves social cognition, but may inadequately simulate real-life social interactions. Virtual reality (VR) provides a realistic, interactive, customizable, and controllable training environment, which could facilitate the application of skills in daily life. Objective We developed a 16-session immersive VR SCT (Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality [DiSCoVR]) and conducted a single-group feasibility pilot study. Methods A total of 22 people with a psychotic disorder and reported problems in social cognition participated. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a survey for participants and therapists, and by examining relevant parameters (eg, dropouts). We analyzed preliminary treatment effects on social cognition, neurocognition, and psychiatric symptoms. Results A total of 17 participants completed the study. Participants enjoyed DiSCoVR (mean 7.25, SD 2.05; range 3-10), thought it was useful for daily social activities (mean 7.00, SD 2.05; range 3-10), and enjoyed the combination of VR and a therapist (mean 7.85, SD 2.11; range 3-10). The most frequently mentioned strength of DiSCoVR was the opportunity to practice with personalized social situations (14/20, 70%). A significant improvement of emotion perception was observed (Ekman 60 Faces; t16=–4.79, P<.001, d=–0.67), but no significant change was found in other measures of social cognition, neurocognition, psychiatric symptoms, or self-esteem. Conclusions DiSCoVR was feasible and acceptable to participants and therapists, and may improve emotion perception.

scholarly journals S231. A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS ON SOCIAL COGNITION TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH PSYCHOTIC DISORDER: RELATIVE EFFICACY, MODERATORS, AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S127-S127
Author(s):  
Saskia Nijman ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Elisabeth van der Stouwe ◽  
Marieke (Gerdina) Pijnenborg
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Social Perception ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Databases ◽  
Social Cognition Training

Abstract Background Social cognitive deficits are common in people with a psychotic disorder, and may play an important role in social dysfunction. Social cognition training (SCT) has emerged in the past two decades as a way to improve social cognition through strategy training and repeated practice. Several reviews and meta-analyses have indicated that SCT improves social cognition, but several important questions remain. This meta-analysis addresses three of these questions: Methods Search results from clinical databases were systematically reviewed by two independent raters. SCTs from included publications were categorized according to their focus (targeted or broad-based) and their inclusion of CRT (with or without). Network meta-analysis was used, since it allows for comparison of more than two treatments, and comparison of any chosen pair of interventions - even those not directly investigated in the literature. It estimates the treatment effect by inference from a network of evidence (i.e., effectAB = effectAC – effectBC), and combines this indirect evidence with original comparisons to estimate treatment effects. For each treatment arm, a pre-post effect size was determined and pairwise comparisons for each combination of study arms were calculated. With network meta-analysis, all SCTs were compared to treatment as usual (the chosen reference group). Meta-regression was used to evaluate the moderating effects of study (methodological quality, total intervention time, use of groups, static/dynamic measures, inclusion of CRT) and participant (age, illness duration, medication dose, gender) characteristics. Follow-up efficacy was investigated using multivariate meta-analysis. Results Compared to TAU, emotion perception was improved most by targeted SCT without CRT (Cohen’s d=.68) and broad-based SCT without CRT (d=.46). All treatments improved social perception (active control, d=.98, targeted SCT with and without CRT, d=1.36 and d=1.38, broad-based SCT with and without CRT, d=1.35 and d=1.45). Only broad-based SCT without CRT improved ToM (d=.42) more than TAU. Social functioning was significantly improved only by broad-based SCT (without CRT, d=.82, with CRT, d=.41). None of the SCTs significantly improved attribution, general social cognition and psychotic symptoms, compared to TAU. Individual SCT worked better for emotion perception, but SCT in a group was more effective for social functioning. A higher percentage of male participants in a study predicted worse outcomes on functioning and psychotic symptoms. At follow-up, a moderate effect on social functioning (d=.66) was found, but not on psychotic symptoms. Social cognition could not be investigated quantitatively at follow-up due to insufficient data, but qualitative analysis suggested persisting effects. Discussion While targeted SCT is the most effective for emotion perception and social perception, broad-based SCT produced the best overall outcomes. Using CRT did not enhance SCT effects. Our results suggest that (particularly broad-based approaches to) SCT produce generalized, enduring effects, but more methodologically sound research is necessary to investigate key questions that remain, especially regarding mechanisms of treatment.

scholarly journals Social Cognition Training for People With a Psychotic Disorder: A Network Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 1086-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia A Nijman ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Elisabeth C D van der Stouwe ◽  
Gerdina H M Pijnenborg
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Perception ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Social Cognition Training

Abstract Deficits in social cognition are common in people with psychotic disorders and negatively impact functioning. Social Cognition Training (SCT) has been found to improve social cognition and functioning, but it is unknown which interventions are most effective, how characteristics of treatments and participants moderate efficacy, and whether improvements are durable. This meta-analysis included 46 randomized studies. SCTs were categorized according to their focus (targeted/broad-based) and inclusion of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT). Network meta-analysis was conducted, using both direct (original) and indirect (inferred from the network of comparisons) evidence. All SCT types were compared to treatment as usual (TAU; the chosen reference group). Moderators of outcome were investigated with meta-regression and long-term efficacy with multivariate meta-analysis. Compared to TAU, emotion perception was improved by targeted SCT without CRT (d = 0.68) and broad-based SCT without CRT (d = 0.46). Individual treatments worked better for emotion perception. All treatments significantly improved social perception (active control, d = 0.98, targeted SCT with and without CRT, d = 1.38 and d = 1.36, broad-based SCT with and without CRT, d = 1.45 and d = 1.35). Only broad-based SCT (d = 0.42) improved ToM. Broad-based SCT (d = 0.82 without and d = 0.41 with CRT) improved functioning; group treatments worked significantly better. Male gender was negatively related to effects on social functioning and psychiatric symptoms. At follow-up, a moderate effect on social functioning (d = 0.66) was found. No effect was found on attribution, social cognition (miscellaneous), and psychiatric symptoms. While targeted SCT is the most effective for emotion perception and social perception, broad-based SCT produces the best overall outcomes. CRT did not enhance SCT effects.

scholarly journals The predictive value of measures of social cognition for community functioning in schizophrenia: Implications for neuropsychological assessment

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.H.M. PIJNENBORG ◽  
F.K. WITHAAR ◽  
J.J. EVANS ◽  
R.J. VAN DEN BOSCH ◽  
M.E. TIMMERMAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Independent Living Skills ◽  
Community Functioning ◽  
Living Skills

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the unique contribution of social cognition to the prediction of community functioning and to explore the relevance of social cognition for clinical practice. Forty-six schizophrenia patients and 53 healthy controls were assessed with tests of social cognition [emotion perception and Theory of Mind (ToM)], general cognition, and, within the patient sample, psychiatric symptoms. Community functioning was rated by nurses or family members. Social cognition was a better predictor of community functioning than general cognition or psychiatric symptoms. When the contributions of emotion perception and ToM were examined separately, only ToM contributed significantly to the prediction of community functioning. Independent living skills were poor in patients with impaired social cognition. In controls, social cognition was not related to community functioning. ToM was the best predictor of community functioning in schizophrenia. However, to fully understand a patient’s strengths and weaknesses, assessment of social cognition should always be combined with assessment of general cognition and psychiatric symptoms. (JINS, 2009, 15, 239–247).

scholarly journals Virtual Reality Social Cognition Training for Young Adults with High-Functioning Autism

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Kandalaft ◽  
Nyaz Didehbani ◽  
Daniel C. Krawczyk ◽  
Tandra T. Allen ◽  
Sandra B. Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Social Cognition Training

Astronaut Training using Virtual Reality in a Neutrally Buoyant Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Everson ◽  
Christopher McDermott ◽  
Aaron Kain ◽  
Cesar Fernandez ◽  
Ben Horan
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Tactile Feedback ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hand Tracking ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Astronaut Training ◽  
Neutrally Buoyant

<div><p>Astronauts undergo significant training in preparation for operating in space. In the past governments have been driving space exploration through ventures such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), however more recently new private companies have formed such as SpaceX who are designing commercially viable and reusable spacecraft. As such, the economics of space travel are more important than ever, and there is a logical need to research affordable and effective training procedures for astronauts.</p><p>Virtual Reality (VR) has been shown to be an effective technique for training people to perform high skilled physical tasks such as medical surgery. Research into VR as a platform for training astronauts has shown encouraging results with the implementation of hand tracking data gloves allowing the trainee to interact with the virtual environment. Further, there is evidence that VR can aid in the treatment of phobias with exposure therapy by better preparing the patient for real life exposure. Tactile feedback was found to enhance the treatment. Hence training with VR may help prepare an astronaut for the experience of operating in space through exposure to realistic simulations.</p><p>This paper proposes using existing underwater systems with VR to create a low cost extra vehicular activity (EVA) astronaut training simulation. Incorporation of tactile feedback and methods to track the body, hands and finger flexure, enabling user interaction with the virtual environment was explored. This allows for the creation of a varied neutrally buoyant training environment with a smaller physical space requirement compared to existing methods.</p></div>

scholarly journals Neural mechanisms of behavioral change in young adults with high-functioning autism receiving virtual reality social cognition training: A pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 713-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.J. Daniel Yang ◽  
Tandra Allen ◽  
Sebiha M. Abdullahi ◽  
Kevin A. Pelphrey ◽  
Fred R. Volkmar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Social Cognition Training

scholarly journals Automated virtual reality (VR) cognitive therapy for patients with psychosis: study protocol for a single-blind parallel group randomised controlled trial (gameChange)

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e031606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Freeman ◽  
Ly-Mee Yu ◽  
Thomas Kabir ◽  
Jen Martin ◽  
Michael Craven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
South Central

IntroductionMany patients with psychosis experience everyday social situations as anxiety-provoking. The fears can arise, for example, from paranoia, hallucinations, social anxiety or negative-self beliefs. The fears lead patients to withdraw from activities, and this isolation leads to a cycle of worsening physical and mental health. Breaking this cycle requires highly active treatment directly in the troubling situations so that patients learn that they can safely and confidently enter them. However patients with psychosis seldom receive such life-changing interventions. To solve this problem we have developed an automated psychological treatment delivered in virtual reality (VR). It allows patients to experience computer simulations of the situations that they find anxiety-provoking. A virtual coach guides patients, using cognitive techniques, in how to overcome their fears. Patients are willing to enter VR simulations of anxiety-provoking situations because they know the simulations are not real, but the learning made transfers to the real world.Methods and analysis432 patients with psychosis and anxious avoidance of social situations will be recruited from National Health Service (NHS) secondary care services. In the gameChange trial, they will be randomised (1:1) to the six-session VR cognitive treatment added to treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. Assessments will be conducted at 0, 6 (post-treatment) and 26 weeks by a researcher blind to allocation. The primary outcome is avoidance and distress in real-life situations, using a behavioural assessment task, at 6 weeks. The secondary outcomes are psychiatric symptoms, activity levels and quality of life. All main analyses will be intention-to-treat. Moderation and mediation will be tested. An economic evaluation will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has received ethical approval from the NHS South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee (19/SC/0075). A key output will be a high-quality automated VR treatment for patients to overcome anxious avoidance of social situations.Trial registration numberISRCTN17308399.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document