Avatar

Therapy for the treatment of resistant auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia

VR-Avatar focuses on the psychological treatment of persistent auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia using virtual reality. Through virtual reality glasses and a personalized avatar that simulates the patient’s most intrusive hallucination, the patient is exposed to an immersive and controlled environment. The person is immersed in an experience guided by the therapist, interacting assertively with the digital avatar that represents their hallucinations. This allows them to gain greater control over the voices and helps reduce their frequency and intensity. This approach helps patients cope with and manage their symptoms, leading to improved daily functioning and quality of life. The project has obtained CE marking as a Class I medical device software.

IPs: Judith Usall and Susana Ochoa

Research Group: Etiopathogenesis and Treatment of Severe Mental Disorders (MERITT)

Institution: Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu (PSSJD) / Fundació Sant Joan de Déu (FSJD)

Visit the project website.

More information about the research group can be found through this link.

For more information contact here.