Can virtual reality boost positive feelings in patients with depression?
Existing depression treatments aim to curb negative symptoms, but often don’t boost positive feelings. Can virtual reality help?
Michelle Craske is asking patients to dive into coral reefs, ride on bullet trains rushing past pine trees, and cheer on soccer teams from the stands — at least virtually — in a bid to tackle a symptom long sidelined in depression treatment.
The University of California, Los Angeles, psychiatry researcher and her colleagues are testing whether can curb anhedonia, a symptom of depression and other serious mental health conditions that’s marked by a lack of interest or ability to feel pleasure. They’re putting patients into pleasant scenarios — like a stroll through a sun-soaked forest while piano music plays — and coaching them to pay close attention to the positive parts.The idea is to help patients learn
