disorders. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of the VR
Psychosocial Treatment Program (PTP) on psychosocial functioning
and symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
Method: Seven schizophrenia patients who have been admitted to the
Schizophrenia Outpatient Unit of Dokuz Eylül University School of
Medicine and met the diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-V
diagnostic criteria were included in the study. Psychosocial functionality
level was assessed by PSP (Personal and Social Performance Scale), positive
and negative symptom severity with PANSS (Positive and Negative
Syndrome Scale), and social skills with SSC (Social Skills Checklist). VRPTP
was continued for a total of 10 sessions and twice a week during five
weeks. In this study, a real-environment-based VR-PTP for schizophrenia
patients was developed. In the sessions, there were different realenvironment-
based VR contents including social interaction components
such as cafe, market, bazaar, public transportation.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the
PSP scores before and after the VR application (p=0.018). None of
the patients reported motion sickness during VR sessions due to the
immersive nature of VR. There was no significant difference between
pre and post VR PANSS total and subscale scores.
Conclusion: In this preliminary study, we discovered that realenvironment-
based VR-PTP is effective for improving the social skills
of patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive enhancement programs and
psychosocial functionality therapies may be carried out using virtual
reality in the near future. VR can assist patients in coping with their
symptoms and day-to-day challenges.
Keywords: Schizophrenia, Psychosocial Functioning, Virtual Reality,
Positive Symptoms, Negative Symptoms