Depressive symptoms
Depression is a serious condition for which proven treatments exist, such as psychotherapy and, where appropriate, medication. A VR experience is not a substitute for these.
Within the experiences we work with elements such as relaxation, attention, emotional awareness and guided reflection. Some elements are inspired by principles from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). That does not make the experience a CBT treatment.
We see the most value in use within programmes under professional supervision, and in collaboration with healthcare organisations and research partners.
How it works
We discuss goal, audience and setting, and show the experience during a demo.
The participant puts on the headset, preferably seated, with support where appropriate.
A dream world with image, sound and guided reflection, at your own pace.
Wrapping up calmly and, where appropriate, talking it through with a supervisor.
Possible applications
As a supporting moment within a treatment programme, at the initiative and under the direction of the practitioner.
Experiences that invite you to reflect on feelings and thoughts, in a safe, defined setting.
Collaborating on studies that carefully examine the value of the experiences.
Adapted worlds or support for a specific audience or setting.
Scientific background
Eight immersive VR relaxation sessions were compared with group relaxation, both alongside an exercise programme. The VR group showed a greater reduction on the Geriatric Depression Scale and the HADS.
An indication that aesthetic, calming VR environments can play a complementary role.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Participants practised self-compassion through ‘embodiment’ in VR: they gave compassion from one virtual body and received it from another. Depressive symptoms and self-criticism decreased and self-compassion increased. The authors describe the results as preliminary.
Illustrates a mechanism that is possible in VR, but calls for controlled follow-up research.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)A broad overview of VR in diagnosis and therapy. For depression, VR seems promising for behavioural activation and self-compassion training, among other things, but the authors call for more controlled studies with larger groups.
Underlines that the field is growing, and that stronger evidence is still needed.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Summarises the quality of the evidence for VR therapies for psychiatric disorders. So far, VR interventions have mainly been developed and studied for anxiety-related disorders; for other conditions the evidence is more limited.
Puts the results into perspective: the strongest evidence lies with anxiety, not yet with depression.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)About the evidence for Dream Fiction itself
The Dream Fiction experiences have not yet been clinically validated. Evidence about VR interventions in general does not automatically say anything about the effectiveness of our specific product. That is why we are actively seeking collaboration with healthcare and research partners.
Limits
For whom
Explore how VR can complement existing support and wellbeing initiatives, for example around stress and prevention.
Discover possible applications for employee wellbeing, stress awareness and prevention within your wellbeing policy.
Accessible, appealing experiences that can invite young people to take a moment of calm and reflection.
Get to know our approach and explore opportunities for responsible collaboration and research.
Discuss bespoke solutions, demonstrations and requirements around privacy, safety and implementation.
We are happy to think along about your audience, the application and the practical requirements.
No. Dream Fiction has been developed as complementary support and is not a stand-alone treatment. If you have depressive symptoms, please contact your GP or a healthcare professional.
Some elements of the experiences are inspired by CBT principles, such as guided reflection and attention to thoughts. That is not the same as CBT treatment by a qualified practitioner.
We are open to working with healthcare organisations and research institutions to evaluate the experiences carefully. Get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
Free on-site demo
For healthcare organisations and research partners, we are happy to arrange a free demo and an in-depth conversation about application, support and research.
