Use of virtual reality in the treatment of body image disorders Systematic review

Background Virtual worlds provide the opportunity to create realistic experiences. Furthermore, experiences are more controllable and adjustable than in the real world. These advantages are the reason why research is increasingly interested in using virtual reality for psychotherapy and in particular for exposure treatment. First studies on the efficacy of virtual reality treatment of body image disorders are available. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how comprehensively the entire spectrum of body image disturbance has been investigated. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted for studies addressing virtual reality with a focus on interventions. Target groups for exposure to virtual reality were clinical and subclinical samples of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, body dysmorphic disorder, body dissatisfaction and body image disorder. Results Only studies on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and subclinical body dissatisfaction with mainly female participants could be identified. The five case reports and five randomized controlled studies showed a positive effect of virtual reality treatment on body image-related measures and eating disorder pathology. Discussion Overall, only a few studies could be found. New technical possibilities of virtual reality have so far not been exhausted. Findings on the use of virtual reality for the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder and the subtype muscle dysmorphia are completely lacking.