Emotion recognition training with virtual reality in schizophrenia: A case series study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the tolerability and acceptability, and to explore the preliminary efficacy of an 8-session emotion-recognition training using virtual reality (VR-ER) through the software VR-Tóol in three patients within the schizophrenia spectrum. Methodology: A single case AB design was employed. Prior to the intervention, three emotion recognition (ER) baseline measurements were collected, and three additional measurements were obtained during the intervention. Pre- and post-intervention measures of ER, symptomatology, neurocognition, apathy, depression, and functionality were obtained by independent researchers. For quantitative analysis of the baseline measures, the Conservative Dual-Criterion method, two-standard deviation band, and Non-overlap of all Pairs were employed. For the pre- and post-intervention measures, the reliable change index was used. Findings: None to minimal cybersickness symptoms were observed during the intervention. Patients reported motivation toward the intervention and good levels of perceived effectiveness. Regarding the intervention efficacy, we found clinical changes in ER, neurocognition, and functionality. Conclusions: The present study offers preliminary evidence of the acceptability and efficacy of a targeted VR-ER intervention in patients within the schizophrenia spectrum. Practical implications: These findings underscore the practical efficacy of virtual reality in social cognition interventions. VR-Tóol is a promising technological tool that has the potential to serve as a rehabilitation aid for sociocognitive processes in psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.