This innovative form of treatment is based on the development of mentalization skills that help patients perceive the emotions and thoughts of those around them correctly.
The therapy, called VR-ToMIS, includes nine sessions in which patients interact with therapist-controlled avatars in a variety of scenarios to improve their social cognitive skills.
Patients are given tasks to decode emotions and gestures, as well as to try to understand irony and metaphors.
Testing of the method was carried out in 2022, and 43 schizophrenia patients were included. Researchers found a significant improvement in participants’ cognitive and emotional symptoms, such as coherent thinking, social cognitive deficits, apathy, and more.
Participants also evaluated the therapy positively, finding it exciting and important for their rehabilitation. Such a unique treatment could be a real breakthrough in the fight against schizophrenia and help millions of people worldwide who suffer from this disease.
Source: Ferra
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