Anticipation and prevention of real risks of virtual environments in psychiatry

AUTHORS> Maria Marloth; Celia Deane-Drummond; Philipp Kellmeyer; Marc Erich Latoschik; Jennifer A. Chandler; Gerben Meynen; Kai Vogeley

2026 · 2026-01-30 · npj Digital Medicine · VOL. 9 · NO. 1 · ART. 164

Free full text ↗DOI 10.1038/s41746-026-02348-4

ABSTRACT

Abstract

Extended reality (=XR) provides promising opportunities for psychiatry in the future. However, psychiatric patients appear to be particularly vulnerable to virtual exposure. With a focus on virtual embodiment and virtual social interaction, we therefore, 1. describe the specific risks of virtual exposures, 2. discuss them in relation to specific psychopathological symptoms and 3. outline initial strategies that enable safe exposure with a strong emphasis on participatory designs.

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VERIFICATION

Publication record checked · 2026-10-05