Virtual reality interventions significantly improve core symptoms and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia

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Archives of psychiatric nursing Published June 8, 2026 Medically reviewed June 8, 2026 Study authors: Huang Hui-Zhen, Chen Yu-Bin, Wang Xiao-Qing, Feng Yang, He He-Ping, Zhou Yu-Qiu PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

Key Takeaway

Note that VR interventions improve core symptoms and cognition in schizophrenia, but social functioning remains inconclusive.

This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of various virtual reality (VR) interventions, including social skills training, vocational rehabilitation, and mindfulness, on individuals with schizophrenia. The analysis synthesized data from 678 participants to assess core symptoms, positive and negative symptoms, cognitive function, and social functioning.

The findings indicate that VR interventions significantly improved overall psychiatric symptoms, positive symptoms, and cognitive function. Specifically, for negative symptoms, virtual cognitive interventions were noted as particularly effective, showing a moderate improvement with an SMD of -0.52 (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvements were observed in social functioning.

The authors note several limitations, including significant methodological heterogeneity among the included studies, small sample sizes, and short follow-up durations. These factors may limit the generalizability of the findings. While VR shows promise for symptom management, further large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and extended follow-up are warranted to establish long-term outcomes.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

PMID42236033

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly applied in psychiatric rehabilitation and shows promise for improving outcomes in schizophrenia. However, the evidence base remains fragmented, leading to uncertainty regarding its overall efficacy across symptom and functional domains. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VR interventions for the treatment of schizophrenia. METHODS: Five databases (PsycINFO, Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched in December 2024. Eligible studies included RCTs of VR interventions in individuals with schizophrenia. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize effect sizes given study heterogeneity. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (n = 678) were included, covering five VR approaches: Virtual Reality Social Skills and Vocational Rehabilitation Training, Virtual Reality Cognitive Rehabilitation Training, Virtual Reality Theory of Mind Intervention, Virtual Reality-Assisted Mindfulness Intervention, and Avatar Virtual Therapy. VR significantly improved overall psychiatric symptoms, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive function. The effect on negative symptoms was moderate (SMD = -0.52, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis further indicated that virtual cognitive interventions were particularly effective in improving negative symptoms. No significant improvement was observed in social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: VR interventions effectively reduce core symptoms, VR-based cognitive interventions may confer greater benefits for negative symptoms, while evidence for social functioning remains inconclusive. Given methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short follow-up durations, further large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols of VR and extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings and facilitate clinical translation.