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In the computer sciences, virtual reality (VR) is usually described as a set of fancy technologies. However, in medicine and neuroscience, VR is instead defined as an advanced form of human–computer interface that allows the user to interact with and become present in a computer-generated environment. The sense of presence offered by VR makes it a powerful tool for personal change because it offers a world where the individual can stay and live a specific experience. For this reason, the use of VR in mental health shows promise: different types of research support its clinical efficacy for conditions including anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, obesity and eating disorders, pain management, addiction, and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed to transform VR according to a clinical standard for mental health. This Special Issue aims to present the most recent advances in the mental health applications of VR, as well as their implications for future patient care.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) --- virtual reality --- exposure in virtual reality --- cognitive exposure --- standardized scenario --- personalized scenario --- spatial memory --- episodic memory --- enactment --- memory rehabilitation --- embodied cognition --- aging --- body image disturbances --- body anxiety --- fear of gaining weight --- full body illusion --- body representation --- obesity --- health --- navigation --- neurorehabilitation --- systematic review --- virtual environment --- cognitive and physical rehabilitation --- oldest old person --- Obsessive–compulsive disorders --- multiple errands test --- cognitive assessment --- executive functions --- computational models --- decision tree --- cross-validation --- real phobic images --- anxiety disorders --- specific phobia --- fMRI --- neuroimaging --- anorexia nervosa --- body image distortion --- body dissatisfaction --- embodiment --- interpersonal multisensory stimulation --- pain perception --- telescoped effect --- amputee patients --- emotion regulation --- treatment --- wellbeing intervention --- adults --- distraction systems --- dental anxiety --- pain --- autism spectrum disorder --- body movements --- repetitive behaviors --- machine learning --- dementia --- mild cognitive impairment --- electroencephalogram --- serious game --- Alzheimer disease --- digital biomarker --- hippocampus --- MRI --- cognitive rehabilitation --- computerized assessment --- sense of reality --- hallucinations --- psychosis --- derealization --- n/a --- sense of agency --- metacognition --- stress --- bodily-self --- mental health --- presence --- Obsessive-compulsive disorders

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

In the computer sciences, virtual reality (VR) is usually described as a set of fancy technologies. However, in medicine and neuroscience, VR is instead defined as an advanced form of human–computer interface that allows the user to interact with and become present in a computer-generated environment. The sense of presence offered by VR makes it a powerful tool for personal change because it offers a world where the individual can stay and live a specific experience. For this reason, the use of VR in mental health shows promise: different types of research support its clinical efficacy for conditions including anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, obesity and eating disorders, pain management, addiction, and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed to transform VR according to a clinical standard for mental health. This Special Issue aims to present the most recent advances in the mental health applications of VR, as well as their implications for future patient care.

Information technology industries --- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) --- virtual reality --- exposure in virtual reality --- cognitive exposure --- standardized scenario --- personalized scenario --- spatial memory --- episodic memory --- enactment --- memory rehabilitation --- embodied cognition --- aging --- body image disturbances --- body anxiety --- fear of gaining weight --- full body illusion --- body representation --- obesity --- health --- navigation --- neurorehabilitation --- systematic review --- virtual environment --- cognitive and physical rehabilitation --- oldest old person --- Obsessive-compulsive disorders --- multiple errands test --- cognitive assessment --- executive functions --- computational models --- decision tree --- cross-validation --- real phobic images --- anxiety disorders --- specific phobia --- fMRI --- neuroimaging --- anorexia nervosa --- body image distortion --- body dissatisfaction --- embodiment --- interpersonal multisensory stimulation --- pain perception --- telescoped effect --- amputee patients --- emotion regulation --- treatment --- wellbeing intervention --- adults --- distraction systems --- dental anxiety --- pain --- autism spectrum disorder --- body movements --- repetitive behaviors --- machine learning --- dementia --- mild cognitive impairment --- electroencephalogram --- serious game --- Alzheimer disease --- digital biomarker --- hippocampus --- MRI --- cognitive rehabilitation --- computerized assessment --- sense of reality --- hallucinations --- psychosis --- derealization --- sense of agency --- metacognition --- stress --- bodily-self --- mental health --- presence