Immersive Virtual Environments for Treating Social Phobia in Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism

The paper introduces the activities of Mental + ForU, a research project aiming to investigate the feasibility and effects of an innovative therapeutic intervention using immersive virtual environments to support psychiatric care for adolescents and young adults affected by Social Phobia Spectrum Disorders. The project involves a detailed description of the theoretical framework underpinning the intervention, followed by the design and implementation of the VR experience. The main expected outcomes of this intervention include the significant reduction of social interaction anxiety levels and the improvement of social skills among participants. Additionally, the use of immersive technologies is hypothesized to increase treatment adherence among adolescents and young adults, groups often reluctant to seek and adhere to traditional therapies. The paper also explores the potential of VR to provide a safe and controlled environment for experiential learning, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of psychiatric treatment. Moreover, the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention are evaluated, offering valuable insights for future developments and broader applications.