Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Panic Disorder in the Last Decade: A Systematic Review

Virtual Reality (VR) is an interactive, three-dimensional computing environment that enables individuals to experience a sense of presence as if they are immersed in a real-world setting. VR is currently being implemented in therapeutic interventions for individuals with certain mental disorders.

To illustrate the implementation and evolution of VR in the treatment of panic disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia over the past decade.

A systematic literature review was conducted based on articles retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2013 to 2023. A total of 21 studies were selected after analyzing the titles, abstracts, and content in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

A total of 153 articles were initially selected and included in the study. The results demonstrated the evolution and increasing use of VR-based technologies for the treatment of mental disorders, including panic disorder and PDA.

The utilization of VR exposure therapy (VRET) for patients with panic disorder, agoraphobia, or PDA yielded measurable outcomes, including the evolution of VRET applications, an increase in the number of scientific articles and patients in recent years, as well as advancements in hardware devices, software, and other application methods, such as self-guided applications.

The implementation of VRET is increasing in several regions worldwide, and its evolution is indisputable for the treatment of panic disorder, agarophobia, and PDA. Comparisons with traditional in vivo methods revealed that VRET yields satisfactory and promising outcomes. The continued evolution of VR technology is expected to expand its potential application in patients with these disorders.