Buragohain Dipima, Khichar Sunita, Deng Chaoqun, Meng Yahui, Chaudhary Sushank
School of Foreign Languages, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, China.
Department of Electrical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sci Rep. 2025 May 16;15(1):17066. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00916-4.
The metaverse, defined as a collective virtual shared space created by the convergence of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet, offers new opportunities for mental healthcare by delivering immersive and engaging digital therapies. This study examines the current landscape of metaverse-based mental healthcare applications, analyzing their effectiveness and potential risks. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) and case study research, four digital therapeutic applications-NightWare, Freespira, EndeavorRx, and Sleepio-were evaluated for their ability to address conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and ADHD. The results indicate that metaverse-based therapies can provide significant benefits, with clinical validation supporting their effectiveness. However, concerns around user privacy, accessibility, and long-term efficacy remain challenges. Overall, metaverse-based digital therapies represent a promising shift in mental healthcare, offering innovative, personalized, and scalable solutions. Further research is needed to address ethical issues, improve accessibility, and confirm the long-term impact of these interventions.
元宇宙被定义为通过增强现实（AR）、虚拟现实（VR）和互联网的融合而创建的集体虚拟共享空间，它通过提供沉浸式和引人入胜的数字疗法，为精神卫生保健带来了新机遇。本研究考察了基于元宇宙的精神卫生保健应用的现状，分析了它们的有效性和潜在风险。通过系统文献综述（SLR）和案例研究，对NightWare、Freespira、EndeavorRx和Sleepio这四款数字治疗应用在治疗创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）、焦虑症和注意力缺陷多动障碍（ADHD）等病症方面的能力进行了评估。结果表明，基于元宇宙的疗法能带来显著益处，临床验证支持其有效性。然而，围绕用户隐私、可及性和长期疗效的担忧仍然是挑战。总体而言，基于元宇宙的数字疗法代表了精神卫生保健领域有前景的转变，提供了创新、个性化和可扩展的解决方案。需要进一步研究来解决伦理问题、提高可及性，并确认这些干预措施的长期影响。
