Anticipation and prevention of real risks of virtual environments in psychiatry

npj Digital Medicine 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Maria Marloth, Celia Deane-Drummond, Philipp Kellmeyer, Marc Erich Latoschik, Jennifer A. Chandler, Gerben Meynen, Kai Thorsten Vogeley
DOI: 10.1038/s41746-026-02348-4
Cited by: 0
References: 49

Abstract

Extended reality (=XR) provides promising opportunities for psychiatry in the future. However, psychiatric patients appear to be particularly vulnerable to virtual exposure. With a focus on virtual embodiment and virtual social interaction, we therefore, 1. describe the specific risks of virtual exposures, 2. discuss them in relation to specific psychopathological symptoms and 3. outline initial strategies that enable safe exposure with a strong emphasis on participatory designs.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts Digital Mental Health Interventions Mental Health and Psychiatry

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Digital Medicine
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
164–164
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN