Researchers from the University of Tartu in Estonia have created a VR experience called Psyrreal to simulate the subjective effects of psychedelic drugs.
The aim is to offer similar therapeutic benefits to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy while avoiding some of the contraindications of regulatory restrictions associated with psychedelic drug treatment.
- The researchers used the software Unreal Engine to develop different virtual environments with abstract shapes and patterns to replicate psychedelic experiences.
- The study used 13 people with mild to moderate depression.
- The Psyrreal experience consisted of 19 psychedelic environments, which lasted between 30 seconds to two minutes.
- Following the experience, participants significantly reduced depressive symptoms two weeks after the experiment.
- Some participants reported experiencing somatic effects, positive emotions, personal thoughts, and alterations in their sense of self.
- Their findings, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, provide preliminary evidence that VR experiences might help to alleviate depression.
