Mindfulness training in a virtual reality environment for people with schizophrenia.

Aim. Virtual Reality (VR) is an increasingly popular tool in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, including psychotic disorders. However, to date, no studies have been published on mindfulness interventions supported by VR in psychotic patients.

Method. Twenty-five participants diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder underwent three assessments with 4-week intervals, using the six-item Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS–6), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III). Additionally, the participants' emotional intensity was measured through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each training session.

The findings indicate a substantial decrease in symptom severity following the completion of mindfulness training. This was demonstrated by the PANSS-6 total score, as well as the subscales for negative and positive symptoms. In addition, there was a considerable enhancement in cognitive functioning, as evidenced by the ACE-III scores. No significant alterations in these measures were observed when solely implementing the standard intervention.

Conclusions. Our study suggests that the developed mindfulness intervention in VR for schizophrenic patients is highly feasible. The findings indicate potential benefits in reducing symptoms and improving cognitive function.