Digital and Immersive Technologies for Rehabilitation in Complex Psychosis: State of the Art and Future Directions

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Authors: Giuseppe Marano, Mariateresa Acanfora, Giuseppe Mandracchia, Gianandrea Traversi, Osvaldo Mazza, Antonio Pallotti, Giorgio Veneziani, Carlo Lai, Emanuele Caroppo, Marianna Mazza
Cited by: 1
References: 74

Abstract

Complex psychosis (CP) remains one of the most challenging conditions in mental health, characterized by persistent symptoms, cognitive impairment, functional disability, and reduced autonomy. Traditional rehabilitation approaches, although essential, are often insufficient to address the multidimensional needs of these individuals. Over the past decade, rapid advances in digital health have opened new opportunities to enhance psychosocial rehabilitation, improve engagement, and personalize treatment pathways. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the use of digital and immersive technologies in the rehabilitation of people with CP, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), telerehabilitation platforms, mobile health (m-Health) applications, digital phenotyping, and AI-assisted cognitive remediation. We examine clinical trials, feasibility studies, and real-world implementations published between 2015 and 2025, highlighting the efficacy of VR-based social cognition training, remote cognitive remediation, ecological momentary interventions, and hybrid digital-in-person rehabilitation models. Mechanisms of action, transfer to real-world functioning, and predictors of engagement are described. Barriers such as digital literacy, access disparities, privacy concerns, and clinical integration are critically discussed. We also outline future directions, including adaptive algorithms, biosensor integration, and the development of multimodal digital ecosystems tailored to individual recovery trajectories. By integrating technological innovation with recovery-oriented care, digital rehabilitation tools have the potential to transform the treatment landscape for people with CP. This review offers a roadmap for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to incorporate evidence-based digital solutions into modern psychiatric rehabilitation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Schizophrenia research and treatment Digital Mental Health Interventions Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Publication details

Journal / source
Medicina
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
62
Issue
4
Pages
765–765
Publication date
15 April 2026
Language
EN