Virtual reality therapy helps schizophrenia patient silence voices
Vibeke Andersen, a 53-year-old woman diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, has successfully used experimental virtual reality (VR) therapy to manage auditory hallucinations that persisted for 27 years.
Working with the VIRTU research group at the University of Copenhagen, Andersen underwent a treatment involving specialized software. Therapists created a virtual avatar designed to match the appearance and sound of the dominant voice she heard. Using voice-transformation technology, therapists simulated the specific phrases and tone of her hallucinations, allowing Andersen to confront the voice face-to-face in a controlled environment.
Louise Birkedal Glenthøj, head of the VIRTU research group, explained that the process enables patients to engage in dialogue with the voice to reclaim power and control. Although the intensive sessions were difficult enough that therapists initially considered stopping the treatment, Andersen continued the intervention, eventually reporting a significant reduction in the influence of the voices.
Entities
Louise Birkedal Glenthøj · University of Copenhagen · VIRTU research group · Vibeke Andersen
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The VIRTU research team used specialized software to create an avatar based on the patient's description of her hallucinations. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The experimental treatment was offered to Andersen in 2020. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The VR therapy allows patients to engage in dialogue with the voice to reclaim power and control. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Vibeke Andersen was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Andersen experienced auditory hallucinations for 27 years. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com