scholarly journals Using Virtual Reality for Long-Duration Space Missions

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 627-631
Author(s):  
Yash Joshi ◽  
Austin Mardon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Space Missions ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Literary Research ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

Many organizations around the world are pursuing space exploration with hopes of going further and further away from Earth. Spaceflight itself has significant implications on humans, meaning that it is important to understand the magnitude of effects that astronauts would feel during these missions. Some pressing concerns are the increased isolation due to social interactions as well as situational factors, which would lead to a decline in mental and physical health. Additionally, the possibility of substance abuse due to stress and access to medications can lead to significant reductions in mental health. To deal with these issues, virtual reality has presented itself as a unique solution that would help provide better overall mental health. The technology is frequently used in various clinical settings to deal with anxiety and depression, through techniques such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Exposure therapy for anxiety with virtual reality targets anxiety-causing stimulus and works towards changing the patient’s response, in a controlled setting. Cognitive behavioural therapy immerses the patient into a simulated world to provide them with experiences that mitigate the depression they are feeling. On the mission, exposure therapy would potentially be available to deal with stimulants of anxiety, while cognitive behavioural therapy would provide a happiness break. With further research in the field, virtual reality thus presents itself as a feasible opportunity to plan longer duration human space missions. This review compiles and investigates sources from literary research done in the respective fields.

scholarly journals Virtual reality exposure-based therapy as an emerging treatment modality for anxiety disorders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenxuan Wang ◽  
Sean Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Virtual Reality Technology ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition, affecting one-third of the population during their lifetime. Patient with anxiety may experience overwhelming fear to an irrational fear that can impair  everyday functioning. Current treatment for anxiety disorders include pharmacological (i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and psychological (i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy) intervention. Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective exposure-based therapy utilizing repetitive exposure to the feared stimulus to develop desensitization and tolerance but holds high dropout rates due to unbearable anxiety for patients. Recognizing this challenge, virtual reality technology is emerging as a promising tool for patients to challenge their fear in a simulated environment based on individual progression. This article explores the new development of virtual reality technology as an effective treatment modality for anxiety disorders to enhance current approaches in mental health care.

scholarly journals Digital cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia compared with digital patient education about insomnia in individuals referred to secondary mental health services in Norway: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e050661
Author(s):  
Håvard Kallestad ◽  
Simen Saksvik ◽  
Øystein Vedaa ◽  
Knut Langsrud ◽  
Gunnar Morken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionInsomnia is highly prevalent in outpatients receiving treatment for mental disorders. Cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a recommended first-line intervention. However, access is limited and most patients with insomnia who are receiving mental healthcare services are treated using medication. This multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) examines additional benefits of a digital adaptation of CBT-I (dCBT-I), compared with an online control intervention of patient education about insomnia (PE), in individuals referred to secondary mental health clinics.Methods and analysisA parallel group, superiority RCT with a target sample of 800 participants recruited from treatment waiting lists at Norwegian psychiatric services. Individuals awaiting treatment will receive an invitation to the RCT, with potential participants undertaking online screening and consent procedures. Eligible outpatients will be randomised to dCBT-I or PE in a 1:1 ratio. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 9 weeks after completion of baseline assessments (post-intervention assessment), 33 weeks after baseline (6 months after the post-intervention assessment) and 61 weeks after baseline (12 months after the post-intervention assessment). The primary outcome is between-group difference in insomnia severity 9 weeks after baseline. Secondary outcomes include between-group differences in levels of psychopathology, and measures of health and functioning 9 weeks after baseline. Additionally, we will test between-group differences at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, and examine any negative effects of the intervention, any changes in mental health resource use, and/or in functioning and prescription of medications across the duration of the study. Other exploratory analyses are planned.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in Norway (Ref: 125068). Findings from the RCT will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and advocacy and stakeholder groups. Exploratory analyses, including potential mediators and moderators, will be reported separately from main outcomes.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04621643); Pre-results.

Tranquility: An evaluation and co-design of an internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) program for anxiety and depression (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Pencer ◽  
Victoria C. Patterson ◽  
Meghan A. Rossi ◽  
Lori Wozney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Therapeutic Principles ◽  
Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) is a necessary step towards increasing the accessibility of mental health services. Yet, few iCBT programs have been evaluated for their fidelity to therapeutic principles of CBT or usability standards. Additionally, many existing iCBT programs do not include treatments targeting both anxiety and depression – commonly co-occurring conditions. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the usability and fidelity of Tranquility, a novel iCBT program for anxiety, to CBT principles, and engage in a co-design process to adapt Tranquility to include treatment elements for depression. METHODS CBT experts (n = 6) and mental health informed peers (n = 6) reviewed the iCBT program Tranquility. CBT experts assessed Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT principles and were asked to identify necessary interventions for depression using two simulated client case examples. Mental health informed peers engaged in two co-design focus groups to discuss adaptations to the existing anxiety program and the integration of interventions for depression. Both groups completed online surveys assessing Tranquility’s usability and the likelihood that they would recommend the program. RESULTS CBT experts’ mean rating of Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT was 91%, indicating a high fidelity to CBT. Five out of six CBT experts and all mental health informed peers (88% of participants) rated Tranquility as satisfactory, indicating that they may recommend Tranquility to others, and they rated its usability highly (M = 76.56, SD = 14.07). Mental health informed peers provided suggestions about how to leverage engagement with Tranquility (e.g., add incentives, notification control). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study demonstrated Tranquility’s strong fidelity to CBT and usability standards. Results highlight the importance of involving stakeholders in the co-design process and future opportunities to increase engagement.

scholarly journals Computerised cognitive–behavioural therapy for depression in adolescents: 12-month outcomes of a UK randomised controlled trial pilot study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Wright ◽  
Lucy Tindall ◽  
Rebecca Hargate ◽  
Victoria Allgar ◽  
Dominic Trépel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background Computerised cognitive–behavioural therapy (CCBT) in the care pathway has the potential to improve access to psychological therapies and reduce waiting lists within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, however, more randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to assess this. Aims This single-centre RCT pilot study compared a CCBT program (Stressbusters) with an attention control (self-help websites) for adolescent depression at referral to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of CCBT (trial registration: ISRCTN31219579). Method The trial ran within community and clinical settings. Adolescents (aged 12–18) presenting to their primary mental health worker service for low mood/depression support were assessed for eligibility at their initial appointment, 139 met inclusion criteria (a 33-item Mood and Feelings Questionnaire score of ≥20) and were randomised to Stressbusters (n = 70) or self-help websites (n = 69) using remote computerised single allocation. Participants completed mood, quality of life (QoL) and resource-use measures at intervention completion, and 4 and 12 months post-intervention. Changes in self-reported measures and completion rates were assessed by group. Results There was no significant difference between CCBT and the website group at 12 months. Both showed improvements on all measures. QoL measures in the intervention group showed earlier improvement compared with the website group. Costs were lower in the intervention group but the difference was not statistically significant. The cost-effectiveness analysis found just over a 65% chance of Stressbusters being cost-effective compared with websites. The 4-month follow-up results from the initial feasibility study are reported separately. Conclusions CCBT and self-help websites may both have a place in the care pathway for adolescents with depression.

Critical issues in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with gender and sexual minorities (GSMs)

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio A. Carvalho ◽  
Paula Castilho ◽  
Daniel Seabra ◽  
Céu Salvador ◽  
Daniel Rijo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
List Type ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Societal Structure

Abstract In a cisheteronormative culture, gender and sexual minorities (GSMs) may experience additional challenges that get in the way of a meaningful life. It is crucial that clinicians are mindful of these challenges and cognizant about the specificities of clinical work with GSMs. This article points out how societal structure interferes with mental health, and clarifies what clinicians must take into account when using affirmative cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions. Knowledge of up-to-date terminology and use of affirmative language are the first steps that contribute to clients’ experience of respect, which is paramount for the development of a good therapeutic relationship. Considering a conceptual framework of minority stress to understand vulnerability in GSM, specificities in formulation and key psychological processes are discussed. Moreover, guidelines and practical tools for intervention are presented within a CBT approach. Some reflections on therapists’ own personal biases are encouraged, in order to increase the efficacy of interventions. Key learning aims After reading this article you will be able to: (1) Recognize the uniqueness of gender and sexual minorities (GSM) stressors in broad and specific contexts, and their impact on mental health. (2) Identify the underlying key processes and specificities in therapeutic work with GSMs, from a CBT perspective. (3) Recognize the importance of a culturally sensitive approach in affirmative CBT interventions.

Feasibility trial of virtual reality exposure therapy for selective mutism

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110569
Author(s):  
Yi Ren Tan ◽  
Yoon Phaik Ooi ◽  
Rebecca P Ang ◽  
Dion H Goh ◽  
Clare Kwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Evidence Based Care ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been commonly utilised as an extension of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, most studies examined its effectiveness among adults, with no study focusing on children with selective mutism (SM). We aimed to examine its feasibility and acceptability among children with SM. Twenty children aged 6–12 with SM diagnosis were recruited and completed six therapist-guided VRET sessions. Parents and clinicians completed measures at pre-VRET, post-VRET, 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. At post-VRET, parent and child participants completed the acceptability questionnaires. Findings suggested the feasibility of VRET as all participants completed the programme with no attrition. Parents and child participants also reported VRET to be an acceptable and effective treatment for SM. Significant improvement in overall functioning were found at post-treatment and follow-up measures, but there were no significant changes in parent-rated speech frequency and anxiety measures. These support the acceptability of VRET as an adjunct modality (and not substitute) of CBT in SM treatment. Future studies, with more robust experimental designs and larger sample sizes, can be conducted to confirm its efficacy. As technology becomes more sophisticated, tools such as virtual environments can be explored to enhance evidence-based care for children and their families.

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