The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Affective Disorders
Wenrui DengXiaoming Li

Abstract

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for PTSD is an emerging treatment of remarkable promise, but its efficacy and safety are still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of VRET for individuals with PTSD, and to identify the potential moderating variables associated with interventions. Literature search was conducted via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and EBSCO. We identified 18 studies on PTSD including 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 654 participants) and 5 single-group trials (60 participants). The main effects analysis showed a moderate effect size (g = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.105-0.550, p<0.01) for VRET compared to control conditions on PTSD symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects of VRET were larger when compared to inactive groups (g = 0.567) than active control groups (g = 0.017). This finding was in agreement with depressive symptoms. A dose-response relationship existed with more VRET sessions showing larger effects. There was a long-range effect of VRET on PTSD symptoms indicating a sustained decrease in PTSD symptoms at 3-month follow-up (g = 0.697) and 6-month follow-up (g = 0.848). The single-group trials analysis revealed that the VRET inter...Continue Reading

Citations

Aug 20, 2020·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Laura DellazizzoAlexandre Dumais
Sep 9, 2020·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Malisa DangEgidio Del Fabbro
Nov 13, 2020·European Eating Disorders Review : the Journal of the Eating Disorders Association·Tian Ling LowWilson Tam
Nov 28, 2020·Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing·Mi-Ran Lee, Chiyoung Cha
Mar 29, 2021·Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners·Jennifer SonneyNora Carr
Feb 20, 2021·Annual Review of Clinical Psychology·Paul M G Emmelkamp, Katharina Meyerbröker
Jun 30, 2021·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Brad RidoutKate Steinbeck
Dec 5, 2020·Simulation in Healthcare : Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare·Todd P ChangJoshua M Sherman

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