Want to know how AR & VR is helping in mental health? Read our blog and find out 11 amazing ways that are creating new breakthroughs in the mental health world. 

At Globextra we are passionate about tech and consume it with our morning beverage. Technology is constantly evolving and its use in varied fields has opened new doors for further innovations. In this blog, we bring you another interesting topic and hope you show it the same love as our previous blogs.

MUST READ I 17 TECH INNOVATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH I 

AR & VR – 11 Defining Ways By Which They Have Changed The Mental Health Space

AR and VR- two prime innovative technologies are reshaping mental healthcare. From surgical accuracy to patient education and mental health therapy- there isn’t an area that is left untouched by these amazing simulations. Simulators, virtual simulators, virtual simulations, simulated reality, artificial reality, extended reality, artificial environment, computerized simulation, simulation, simulated reality, virtual environment & virtual reality are some names by which we will call them throughout the blog. In this blog will learn about how these computer intelligence are shaping the medical industry. Ready to know how? Let us see through 11 path-breaking methods. So, you know what we will talk about, we have made a table for you. 

Aspects	Augmented Reality(AR)	Virtual Reality(VR)
1. Definition	Augmented reality is an interactive experience that enhances the real world with computer-generated perceptual information. Using software, apps, and hardware such as AR glasses, augmented reality overlays digital content onto real-life environments and objects.	Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. This environment is perceived through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet.
2. History	Ivan Sutherland in 1968	In the year 1935 by Stanley Weinbaum
3. Nature of Experience	Surgical Assistance, Medical Training, Patient Education and Diagnostics	Medical Training and Simulation, Pain Management, Mental Health Therapy & Rehabilitation
4. Primary Use Case	Surgical Assistance	Medical Training and Simulation, therapy and Gamified exercises
5. Device Requirements	AR Glasses/Headsets, Mobile Devices, etc	VR Headsets, Motion-tracking controllers for interactive simulations, etc
6. User Interaction	Gesture-Based	Headset and Motion Controllers
6. Learning Curve	Surgery, Medical Education, etc	Surgery, Medical Education, Radiology, etc
7. Benefits	Enhanced Surgical Precision, Minimally Invasive Guidance, etc	Immersive Surgical Training, Pre-Surgical Planning, etc
8. Challenges	High Initial Cost, Technical Complexity, etc	High Equipment Cost, Discomfort, etc
9. Future Potential	AI-Driven AR Diagnosis, Remote Surgery Assistance, etc	Virtual Hospitals, Personalized Mental Health Therapy, etc
10. How to choose between AR and VR?	Surgical Assistance, Radiology and Imaging, etc	Medical Training and Education ,Pre-Surgical Planning, etc
11. Lesser Known Risks	Privacy, Surveillance and Accessibility	Addiction, Psychological Effects, False Experience, etc

Hope this gives you an idea about the topics that will be covered. Let us take one point at a time and see how they differ from each other. 

1. AR And VR- Understanding Them Better

Augmented reality(AR) is an interactive experience that enhances the real world with computer-generated perceptual information. This involves the usage of software, apps, and hardware such as AR glasses, and augmented reality that helps in transforming digital content into real-life environments and objects.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated world that uses scenes and objects in a way to make them seem real. This helps to captivate the users’ attention and a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet makes this possible.

2. Getting To Know The History Of AR & VR Is A Fascinating Read

We will refer Augmented Reality as AR and Virtual Reality as VR. This is because many of us are familiar with the acronyms or short forms. 

AR was first invented by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. The project was called The Sword of Damocles, which was the first head-mounted display for humans to experience mixed reality by displaying the computer-generated graphics.

VR on the other hand can be traced back to the year 1935 when Stanley Weinbaum released Pygmalion’s Spectacles – a science fiction story. The main character wore a pair of goggles which transported him to a fictional world. Holographic recordings were used to make it appealing and lure people into believing in the imaginary. Some consider it to be the origin of the virtual reality (VR) concept as this story depicted VR as we know it today. 

However, it was only after Ivan Sutherland- a computer scientist who presented his vision of the Ultimate Display. The concept was of a virtual world viewed through an HMD which copied reality so well that the user could not make out the difference between fake or made-up reality and actual reality. This concept was later adopted and is how we know VR in modern times. 

3. AR & VR- Their Application In The Medical Field That Should Be Known 

AR is used in areas like 

• Surgical Assistance: Helps to understand a patient’s condition like anatomy scans accurately. This helps surgeons to carry the operation by being able to gauge the condition better so any chances of mistake can be eliminated. 
• Medical Training: Helps medical students visualize complex procedures by understanding important details of the human body.
• Patient Education: A patient can easily understand his condition by visual explanation and be prepared for the next step. 
• Diagnostics: Helps radiologists and pathologists to see organs in 3D form for a more accurate diagnosis.

VR on the other hand is used extensively in areas such as

• Medical Training and Simulation: Helps by training surgeons in a lifelike, risk-free environment so they can practice complex procedures.
• Pain Management: Helps distract patients during painful procedures or therapy, reducing the need for medications to numb the area.
• Mental Health Therapy: VR therapy is used for treating Post Trauma Stress Disorder(PTSD), phobias, and anxiety disorders in a controlled environment for faster recovery.
• Rehabilitation: Helps patients recover motor skills through gamified physical therapy in a virtual environment by motivating them and also tracking their progress.

4. Ever Considered The Devices That AR and VR Use Extensively In The Mental Health Industry?

Augmented Reality Uses Applications like

AR Glasses/Headsets:

1. Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap: These are lightweight and comfortable and so are used for prolonged periods in surgical and diagnostic areas. 

These also support real-time 3D visualization and data.

2. Mobile Devices (Smartphones/Tablets):

Uses iOS and Android devices with high processing power and AR support (ARKit for iOS, ARCore for Android). These can be moved from one place to another and is extensively used for patient education, diagnostics, and fieldwork applications.

1. Software Requirements:

Compatible medical imaging software (DICOM viewers, custom AR medical apps).

Integration with EHR (Electronic Health Records) and PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems).

Virtual Reality on the other hand relies on devices like:

1. VR Headsets:

High-end: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Varjo VR-3 (for high-fidelity visuals in surgery simulations).

Portable/Standalone: Oculus Quest 2, Pico Neo (for therapy, rehabilitation, and patient education).

1. VR-Ready Computer: This requires a high-performance PC with a powerful GPU (NVIDIA GTX 1080 or higher) and a Minimum of 16GB RAM and fast SSD storage.
2. VR Controllers/Sensors: These support motion-tracking controllers for interactive simulations and Body sensors for rehabilitation and physical therapy usage. 
3. Network and Connectivity: This cannot function without a stable high-speed internet for cloud-based applications and is especially helpful during remote surgery or virtual consultation. It is also known to be helpful in areas with low-speed connections for a seamless experience in live training and diagnostics.

5. How AR & VR Is Helping Mental Health Patients  Is An Important Aspect To Know 

Augmented Reality helps in the mentioned ways.

A. Gesture-Based Interaction: These include the mentioned methods

• Surgeons and clinicians use 3D models to their advantage by using hand gestures (e.g., zoom, rotate, or select).
• Hands-free interaction with AR headsets for clutter-free environments.

B. Voice Commands: Some common usages are listed below.

• Control the interface and allow to access patient data or imaging (CT/MRI scans) hands-free.

Enhances the usability during surgery or in high-pressure environments.

C. Touchscreen/Tablet Interaction: Patients and doctors use tablets for interactive anatomy visualization or diagnostic tools.

D. Augmented Reality (AR) in Surgery

• Purpose: Provides real-time understanding of the patient data during surgery.
• Devices Used: AR headsets, tablets, and smart glasses.

Virtual Reality on the other hand uses accessories or equipment like: 

A. Headset and Motion Controllers

• This allows users to interact with virtual environments through VR headsets and hand controllers.
• Allows for realistic simulation of surgery or therapy exercises (e.g., physical therapy tasks).

B. Eye-Tracking Technology

Advanced VR headsets that uses eye-tracking for more precise interaction and improved diagnostics in neurology or ophthalmology.

C. Haptic Feedback Devices: Provides tactile feedback during simulations (e.g., feeling surgical instruments or resistance in physical therapy) and at the same time enhances realistic training effectively. 

D. Voice Commands and AI Assistants: Helps guide users during VR therapy sessions or learning modules.

E. Virtual Reality in Surgery

• Purpose: Used primarily for surgical training, planning, and simulation.
• Devices: VR headsets, haptic gloves, and motion controllers.

F. User Interaction Methods

Trainees use motion controllers to simulate holding and manipulating surgical instruments.

G. Immersive 360° Environments: Allows surgeons to practice in a fully immersive, lifelike operating room simulation- helps in real-time feedback on technique, precision, and decision-making.

H. Eye Tracking and Gaze-Based Interaction: Uses advanced headsets to track eye movement and assess attention and focus during surgery. It also allows interaction with virtual objects by simply looking at them.

1. Multi-User Collaboration: Surgeons and trainees can interact in the same virtual environment from different locations and is thus ideal for remote training and pre-surgical planning sessions.

6. Comparing The Time Taken To Learn The Nuances Of Using AR & VR In Mental Health

AR Headset Usage: This is Moderate and requires familiarity with head-mounted displays and navigation.  Thus, we can say that you can learn its usage in 1–2 weeks for basic operation.

Software Integration: This can be complex as it needs to be  – integrated with imaging systems (MRI, CT), so 1–3 months is needed to understand.

Surgical Guidance: The curve is Steep as real-time experience is required and can take 3–6 months with regular practice.

Medical Education: This is termed Easy as it is user-friendly and 1–2 weeks is taken for most educators.

Patient Engagement: Medical practitioners call this the Easiest area. This is because minimal training is needed to explain AR visuals to patients and can be learned in just 1–2 days.

Let us see how VR fares in this aspect

VR Headset Operation: Considered Easy and one needs just 1–2 days for basic use.

Surgical Simulation: On the Moderate side as it requires practice to adapt to virtual environments. Thus, we can say it needs 1–3 months for surgical mastery. 

Medical Education: Considered Easy and can be mastered in 1–2 weeks.

Physical Rehabilitation: On the Moderate front as training is needed to set up and customize the sessions & so 2–4 weeks is needed.

Mental Health Therapy:  Medical practitioners have labeled this on the Moderate side as you need to undergo training on VR exposure therapy protocols. Thus, 1–3 months is needed. 

7. Comparing The Benefits AR & VR In Mental Industry

AR offers benefits like: 

• Enhanced Surgical Precision: Real-time analysis that improves accuracy and reduces risks.
• Minimally Invasive Guidance: Assists in navigating complex anatomy during surgery.
• Faster Diagnosis: Provides real-time data of patients for quicker decisions.
• Interactive Learning: 3D anatomical models offer hands-on learning for medical students.
• Improved Patient Engagement: Visualizes complex medical conditions to help patients understand their treatment process.
• Increased Efficiency in Radiology: Combines imaging data for accurate diagnosis and intervention.
• Customized Physical Therapy: Offers real-time feedback for personalized rehabilitation exercises.
• Guided Aesthetic Procedures: Improves precision in dermatology and cosmetic treatments.

VR is not far behind and the perks that can be enjoyed are as mentioned below.

• Immersive Surgical Training: Simulates real-life surgeries for risk-free practice.
• Pre-Surgical Planning: Allows detailed virtual exploration of patient’s condition for better understanding. 
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: Helps stroke and traumatic brain injury patients to recover their motor and cognitive skills.
• Exposure Therapy for Mental Health: Treats PTSD, phobias, and anxiety disorders.
• Pain Management:  Distraction therapy for reducing pain during medical procedures.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation:  Virtual environments help patients improve fitness after cardiac events.
• Social Skills Training for Autism:  Provides a controlled environment for improved interactions.
• Radiation Therapy Planning:  Simulates treatment to enhance precision and safety.
• Motor Skill Recovery in Pediatrics:  Helps children improve their motor coordination through gamified therapy.
• Patient Support and Education: Reduces anxiety with virtual walkthroughs of medical procedures.

8. Comparing The Challenges Faced By AR & VR In Mental Health

Both Augmented and Virtual Reality have their challenges. Let us see the disadvantages of AR

• High Initial Cost
• Technical Complexity
• Need extensive training to use the types of equipment
• Relies on accurate data and any error in imaging can lead to serious consequences.
• Some AR devices have a restricted display area, reducing visibility during procedures.
• Wearing AR headsets for extended periods can be physically uncomfortable.
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and patient data privacy is critical.
• Regular updates are necessary but can disrupt workflow.
• AR often requires fast, stable internet connections for cloud-based solutions.

Talking about VR, the mentioned aspects need to be known 

• High Equipment Cost
• VR can cause motion sickness, headaches, and eye strain in some users.
• Medical staff need time to become proficient with VR tools.
• Needs a dedicated physical space, especially for immersive experiences.
• Some patients may be uncomfortable or reluctant to use VR technology.
• Require regular maintenance and updates for optimal performance.

9. Comparing AR And VR On The Future Advancements In Mental Health Domain

In this section, we will see what can be expected from AR & VR- two virtual simulators that are defining mental health sector.  

• AI-Driven AR Diagnosis – AI integration will enhance diagnostic accuracy by providing real-time suggestions.
• Remote Surgery Assistance – Surgeons will be able to perform operations with remote AR guidance thus improving access to specialized care.
• Advanced AR Wearables – Lightweight, more comfortable devices with better field of view and resolution will further help patients and doctors.
• Enhanced Patient Monitoring – AR will offer real-time vital signs for better monitoring.
• Personalized Medicine – AR will visualize patient-specific treatment plans and drug interactions in real time.
• AR in Telemedicine – Virtual consultations with 3D images will help in better understanding.
• Smart Operating Rooms – Fully AR-integrated operating rooms for seamless imaging and guidance.
• Predictive Surgery Simulations – AR will simulate surgical outcomes to help select the best approach during surgeries.
• Improved Public Health Monitoring – Real-time AR dashboards for tracking and managing disease outbreaks or pandemics. 

Let us see what the future has in store for VR and some future perks include:

• Virtual Hospitals – Entire patient experiences, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, will happen in virtual environments.
• Personalized Mental Health Therapy – Customized VR environments for anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Global Collaboration in Training – Multi-user VR platforms for training and research collaboration across borders.
• Chronic Pain Management – Long-term pain management will be used as immersive distraction therapy.
• Surgical Certification Simulations – Surgeons will earn certifications through standardized VR simulations.
• Virtual Pharmacies – Spaces where patients can explore treatments and consult pharmacists in 3D.
• Predictive Treatment Planning – VR-based simulations for personalized treatment outcome predictions.
• Smart Home Health Monitoring –Interfaces for managing special conditions and communicating with caregivers.
• Patient Empathy Training – Virtual environments will help doctors experience life with chronic diseases or disabilities, improving patient care.

10. How To Choose Between AR & VR Cannot Be Ruled Out

In this section, we will learn how to choose between AR & VR in the mental health space. Ready to know? 

Choose Augmented Reality (AR) in Healthcare in the mentioned scenarios. 

• Real-time guidance and anatomy overlays for enhanced precision.
• Simplifying complex concepts with 3D visualizations.
• Physical Rehabilitation – Real-time posture correction and personalized therapy.
• Providing real-time visual guidance for remote consultations.
• Quick access to patient data and augmented instructions in critical situations.
• Improving accuracy and patient outcomes.
• Visual dashboards for real-time outbreak tracking and analysis.

Choose Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare to achieve the mentioned objectives. 

• Simulating rare and high-risk procedures for practice.
• Exposure therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and phobias in controlled environments.
• Pain Management – Reducing pain perception through distraction therapy.
• Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation – Gamified exercises for neurological recovery.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation – Virtual environments to improve fitness after cardiac surgeries. 
• Social Skills Training – Safe and controlled environments for autism therapy.
• Long-term pain relief through immersive VR programs.
• Multi-user VR spaces for global training and surgery planning.

11. Want To Know Some Lesser Known Facts About AR & VR?

Let us see how AR & VR differ based on some lesser-known information in this section .

Ethical Dilemmas in Augmented Reality (AR): No doubt that AR has made life easy by combining the real world with the look-alike world but, the concerns surrounding it cannot be out ruled and we are going to talk about some of them in this section.

• Privacy, Surveillance & Accessibility: AR devices can constantly collect and process data, raising concerns about privacy and data leakage. 

Example: AR glasses can record people without their knowledge, blurring the lines between innovation and intrusion.

• Manipulation of Reality: AR can alter how users perceive the world around them and create opportunities for misinformation and manipulation.

Example: An AR app might show a brand’s logo on every building in a city, creating a biased or overly commercialized experience.

• Data Ownership and Security: AR based applications can gather vast amounts of user data, including location, preferences, and interactions. This raises questions about who owns this data and how it should be protected.

Example: An AR fitness app might collect sensitive health data and share it with third parties without users’ explicit consent.

• Impact on Social Interaction: AR can change how we interact with others in the real world. This sometimes creates distractions and reduces meaningful human connections.

Example: A person wearing AR glasses might focus on virtual elements, ignoring real-world conversations or social cues.

• Digital Inequality: Not everyone can gain access to AR technology. This widens the economic gap and can pose a threat to an economy. 

Example: In education, students with AR devices might get a richer learning experience, leaving others at a disadvantage.

Let us retrospect VR through the below points.

Ethical Dilemmas in Virtual Reality (VR): VR creates fully immersive experiences that transport users to entirely virtual environments. However, these experiences can pose challenges like: 

• Addiction and Escapism: VR can be so engaging that users may become addicted or overly dependent on it, leading to social withdrawal and mental health issues.

Example: Prolonged use of VR gaming can lead to neglect of real-world responsibilities and relationships.

• Psychological Effects: VR experiences can fade the lines between reality and simulation and sometimes lead to emotional distress.

Example: A user exposed to violent or disturbing VR content might experience lasting psychological effects.

• False Experience: VR-based training can give users a sense of expertise without real-world exposure, which can be dangerous in fields like medicine or emergency response.

Example: A surgeon trained mostly through VR may lack the skills needed for real-life surgeries.

• Content Manipulation and Bias: VR experiences can be manipulated to show one-sided narratives, influencing users’ beliefs or perceptions.

Example: A historical VR experience might present a selective version of events, promoting specific ideologies.

• Physical and Emotional Safety: The immersive nature of VR can lead to physical injuries (like tripping or collisions) and emotional trauma if users encounter disturbing content.

Example: Horror VR games can leave players with intense fear or anxiety, affecting their well-being.

• Digital Identity and Representation: In virtual spaces, users can create avatars that may not reflect their true identity, raising concerns about authenticity and social behavior.

Example: Someone may adopt a misleading identity in a VR social platform, causing trust issues and ethical conflicts.

This concludes our blog on the Use of AR and VR in the medical industry. Should you have any questions, you can always reach us through our website. 

A healthy life is the best gift you can give yourself. We hope the best for you!!!