Current Status of Treatment in the Field of Mental Health by VR Simulation

Abstract

Mental health issues are facing serious challenges, not only due to the increasing number of patients but also because of extremely limited access to treatment. The use of digital technology is expected to be an effective solution to this problem. Among these technologies, VR simulations hold great potential as a new treatment option by aiding in the improvement of symptoms that are difficult to address with conventional therapies. This paper introduces psychotherapy using VR (including the metaverse) that is currently being used in clinical settings, discussing the symptoms and conditions it can be applied to and detailing specific treatment methods. Additionally, I will explore the potential future applications of this technology, driven by advancements in hardware and AI-based software.