Using virtual reality to help Northampton mental health patients overcome distress in public places

Virtual reality is going to be used to help mental health patients in Northampton overcome extreme distress and fear in public situations.

St Andrew's Healthcare is teaming up with Oxford VR to help individuals overcome 'anxious social avoidance', which is common in multiple mental health conditions.

Johnny Fountain, director of research at the hospital, said: “This is an exciting project that we’re working on with Oxford VR.

"So many patients in our care show signs of social avoidance and feel extremely distressed with things many of us take for granted, such as going to a café or walking down the street.

"The virtual environment will allow our patients to experience real-life situations in a safe and controlled setting.

"We hope this will build their confidence, allow them to engage better with their treatment, and give them the skills to embrace these scenarios in the real world.”

'Anxious social avoidance' is prevalent in conditions including agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.

As part of the research, patients from St Andrew’s Hospital will use virtual reality headsets reflecting the everyday triggers of anxious social avoidance during half-hour weekly sessions.

Throughout the program the patient will gradually face more and more problematic situations to overcome their distress and learn they can cope in these situations.

Evidence shows the behavioural changes made in the VR environments transfer to the real world, according to Oxford VR.

June Dent, from the firm, said: “Our vision is to turn the tide on life-interrupting mental illnesses pushing the boundaries of clinical excellence and new technology to transform lives.

"The immersive nature of VR provides a powerful new way to engage users and helps them to regain confidence, feel safe and overcome trigger situations.

"This innovative program has been created with the voices and expertise of people affected by anxious social avoidance and applies proven evidence-based psychological techniques.”