…difficulty functioning because the voices they hear are, in essence, bullies. They bring negative thoughts and feelings to patients. Professor Julian Leff, of University College London, Mental Health Sciences Unit shares, “Even though patients interact with the avatar as though it was a real person, they know that it cannot hurt them. As a result, the therapy helps patients gain the confidence and courage to confront the avatar, and their persecutor.”
Several studies have been conducted to analyze the successfulness of this therapy and other conclusions. The University College London, Mental Health Sciences department conducted a study and found compelling results. Using two different control groups, one was treated with the usual antipsychotic medications, while the other group was treated with avatar therapy. The results showed that of the 26 participants, 16 were treated with avatar therapy and showed significant reductions in the frequency and intensity of voices, as well as overall disturbance. Patients also showed lowered level of depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow up assessment. One of the most riveting findings, was three patients whose avatar voices had cease completely by the 3-month follow up assessment.
This trial is a testament to the success that can be reached from avatar therapy. In the short time span that this trial ran, avatar therapy decreased the frequency of voices, as well as reduced the impact that these voices have on patients’ lives. This therapy is relatively new, and as with any new method still requires critiquing and adjusting. However, this current stage of the therapy is promising.