Digital Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Distress from Auditory Hallucinations
London, UK - A groundbreaking digital treatment, known as avatar therapy, has shown promising results in reducing distress from auditory hallucinations among individuals with schizophrenia. The innovative approach involves interacting with a digital avatar of the voice behind the hallucinations, under therapist supervision.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated that 345 participants who received avatar therapy as part of their treatment experienced significant improvements in areas such as voice-related distress, severity, empowerment, mood, and well-being compared to those receiving usual psychotherapy without avatars. The effects were seen even three months after the initial treatment.
Avatar therapy involves creating a computerized representation of the character that an individual hears in their head, which is referred to as an "avatar." Patients can adjust various features to create an approximate match. Therapy sessions involve about 10-15 minutes of interactions with the avatar, where patients confront and deflect the voice's criticisms. Over time, the avatar's negative voice retreats, leading to a shift in the person's overall experience from frightening to one that is more in their control.
The trial was conducted at three sites in England and one in Scotland and included participants who heard voices for at least six months and at least once a week before beginning the treatment. Patients were also prescribed antipsychotic medications, which helped alleviate some symptoms but not all.
UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended avatar therapy as part of three digital health technologies that can be used to manage symptoms of psychosis while more evidence is generated.
While the results are encouraging, there are limitations to consider. The study experienced a 20% dropout rate, indicating that some patients found it challenging to engage with the treatment. Researchers are also aware of the potential for a "digital placebo effect," where participants respond positively due to expectations of receiving advanced digital care rather than any inherent therapeutic value.
Despite these concerns, investors and experts remain optimistic about the potential of avatar therapy as an additional option for individuals with schizophrenia. A research team is currently working on real-world evidence of its effectiveness over the next three years, aiming to provide the treatment in routine health settings.
In the US, researchers are exploring similar approaches, such as using artificial intelligence to facilitate conversations between patients and their avatars. As more information becomes available about this innovative therapy, it will be crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers to carefully evaluate its benefits and limitations before considering its widespread adoption.