Improving Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorders with an Immersive Virtual Reality Remediation Training Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).
Diego PrimaveraGian Mario MigliaccioValentino GarauGermano OrrùAlessandra ScanoAlessandra PerraSamantha PinnaMassimo TusconiMauro Giovanni CartaFederica SancassianiPublished in: Journal of clinical medicine (2024)
Background: Health-related quality of life (H-QoL) is a critical measure in bipolar disorder (BD). Recent trials using virtual reality (VR) have shown potential in improving H-QoL. However, VR's effect on the H-QoL of people with BD needs to be further explored. Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of a feasibility randomized controlled trial, focusing on "quality of life". Participants (aged 18-75) diagnosed with bipolar disorder were randomized into two groups. The experimental group used the CEREBRUM VR app, while the control group received the usual care. Quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: A total of 39 individuals in the experimental group and 25 in the control group represent the final samples. The results showed a greater improvement in the SF-12 total score in the experimental group (8.7%) compared to the control group (F = 66.851 p < 0.0001), specifically in the dimension of physical activity limitation, emotional impact, concentration, pain, calmness, energy levels, discouragement, and social activities. Conclusions: This study demonstrated an improvement in QoL for individuals with BD following a VR intervention. As a feasibility study, this secondary outcome needs to be confirmed by further phase III studies. If confirmed, VR could offer valuable rehabilitation tools and insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of BD.
Keyphrases
- virtual reality
- bipolar disorder
- randomized controlled trial
- phase iii
- physical activity
- major depressive disorder
- open label
- healthcare
- double blind
- clinical trial
- palliative care
- placebo controlled
- mental health
- phase ii
- quality improvement
- systematic review
- spinal cord
- climate change
- postoperative pain
- case control