Giving the voice a face: Virtual avatars may ease distress in schizophrenia

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Researchers at Semmelweis University studied virtual-reality avatar therapy for people with schizophrenia who hear distressing voices. The treatment was associated with reduced voice frequency and distress, with more than 40% of participants showing meaningful improvement; researchers said it should complement, not replace, medication.

Patients with schizophrenia can come face to face in virtual reality with an avatar representing the voice they hear, which is often threatening or abusive. According to a study by researchers at Semmelweis University, published in Acta Psychologica, the treatment was associated with significant reductions in the frequency of the voices and the distress they caused, with more than 40% of participants showing meaningful improvement overall. While the results are promising, the researchers stress that VR-Avatar therapy cannot replace medication and should only be used as an add-on treatment.