Using Virtual Reality to Help Reduce Anxiety: A Pilot Study

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can be defined as a complex emotional state characterised by feelings of tension and worried thoughts. There are various treatment options available for anxiety, such as medication and therapy. However, recent research has explored the use of virtual reality in managing anxiety. The Virtual Reality simulation acts as a channel for existing therapeutic methods and helps reduce the anxiousness they are experiencing. In our project, we have created two applications for the subjects to walk through. The applications incorporate principles of distraction therapy and guided meditation. Anxiety levels were assessed through continuous monitoring of the subject’s blood pressure and heart rate during testing. A total of 37 subjects, aged between 16 and 40, participated in the testing of these applications. Through our results we observe that virtual reality could be a reliable channel for delivering therapeutic techniques to reduce anxiety