{"id":967,"date":"2025-05-28T07:15:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T07:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globextraonline.com\/blogs\/?p=967"},"modified":"2025-05-28T07:15:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T07:15:54","slug":"xr-vs-ar-vs-vr-in-mental-health-13-key-points-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globextraonline.com\/blogs\/xr-vs-ar-vs-vr-in-mental-health-13-key-points-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health- 13 Key Points To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering how XR vs. AR vs. VR<\/strong> differ from each other in Mental Health? Read our blog and find out 13<\/strong> focal points that set them apart.<\/p>\n

At Globextra, we create tech-enabled tools that make life easier. With the advancements in technology for mental health, we bring you another blog in our mental health series. Ready to read our blog?<\/span><\/p>\n

MUST READ I 11 KEY USES OF AR & VR IN HEALTHCARE<\/a> I\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"XR<\/p>\n

XR V\/s AR V\/s VR In Mental Health- 13 Defining Points Of Comparison<\/span><\/h1>\n

What if we were to ask you to tell us something that has evolved as fast as technology and continues to scale new heights, you would agree that nothing else comes close. Tech is everywhere, and we cannot imagine a day without its assistance. You might have heard the mentioned terms, but have you ever wondered what sets them apart? Read our blog on <\/span>XR V\/s AR V\/s VR<\/b>, where we have explained the prime areas that set them apart through <\/span>13 <\/b>must-know factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, you know what areas will be covered, we have drawn a table for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Aspects<\/b><\/td>\nExtended Reality<\/b><\/td>\nAugmented Reality<\/b><\/td>\nVirtual Reality<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1. Definition<\/span><\/td>\nAn umbrella category<\/span><\/td>\nAn interactive experience<\/span><\/td>\nA computer-generated environment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2. History<\/span><\/td>\nEarly 1800s, when binocular-like devices called stereoscopes tricked viewers\u2019 brains into seeing images in 3D<\/span><\/td>\n1968<\/span><\/td>\nIn 1935<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3. Use Cases<\/span><\/td>\nSocial anxiety disorder, Depression, Motor skill impairments<\/span><\/td>\nManage phobias, boost confidence, etc<\/span><\/td>\nCure anxiety, helps to cope in crowded places, etc<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4. Benefits<\/span><\/td>\nTherapeutic activities, Remote therapy, Breaking down barriers<\/span><\/td>\nConfront fears through exposure therapy, Relaxation techniques, decrease stigma, etc<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety and stress relief, Phobias, Mindfulness, etc<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5. Disadvantages<\/span><\/td>\nIsolation, Cyber sickness, privacy-related concerns, etc<\/span><\/td>\nIncreased loneliness, can be addictive, increased anxiety and stress, etc<\/span><\/td>\nDizziness, Headache, decreased sense of presence, etc<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6. User Experience<\/span><\/td>\nControlled and Interactive<\/span><\/td>\nExplore and experience realistic scenarios<\/span><\/td>\nCreates a sense of presence<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7. Devices Used<\/span><\/td>\nVR headsets, AR glasses, etc<\/span><\/td>\nSmartphones, tablets, and dedicated AR headsets (smartglasses)<\/span><\/td>\nHead-mounted displays (HMDs), gloves, and joysticks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8. Effectiveness\/ How to choose<\/span><\/td>\nIn a highly immersive and controlled environment<\/span><\/td>\nProvide a patient with a controlled, interactive, and visually engaging environment<\/span><\/td>\nTreating phobias, anxiety, etc<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9. The more future-ready solution<\/span><\/td>\nIs future-ready<\/span><\/td>\nLacks the depth of a fully immersive environment<\/span><\/td>\nSimulate controlled scenarios for exposure therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10. The preferred choice of medical experts<\/span><\/td>\nDivided<\/span><\/td>\nScenario dependent<\/span><\/td>\nThe most preferred choice among mental health workers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11. Environment<\/span><\/td>\nImmersive, controlled, safe<\/span><\/td>\nAllows a user to connect a virtual world to the real world<\/span><\/td>\nVR users inhabit a fictional world<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12. Future trends to know<\/span><\/td>\nBetter connectivity, improved graphics, and more AI integration.<\/span><\/td>\nUse of artificial intelligence (AI), affordable devices, and integration with other technologies.<\/span><\/td>\nWireless connectivity, avatars with lifelike features, and realistic movements<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13. Country with the highest dependency level<\/span><\/td>\nUSA, China, Japan<\/span><\/td>\nUnited States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany<\/span><\/td>\nChina and the USA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

We hope this gives you a rough idea about the various points that we will be discussing. Let us now take one factor at a time and learn about the differences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Understanding The Terms When Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health<\/span><\/h2>\n

The first step is to understand the definition of the terms, which we will get to know in this section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended Reality(XR)<\/b> is an umbrella(parent) category comprised of immersive technologies, which includes <\/span>virtual, augmented<\/b>, and <\/span>mixed realities.<\/b> This blends the real world with the virtual or make-believe world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Augmented Reality(AR)<\/b>is a technology that connects the digital world (such as images, sounds, or data) with the physical world. It enhances the way you see the real world rather than replacing it & is often experienced through smartphones or AR glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Virtual Reality(VR)<\/b> is a completely immersive experience that replaces the real world with a completely virtual environment. Headsets and sometimes hand controllers help you to explore the virtual world.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health Based on Their History<\/b><\/h3>\n

Let us learn about their history or how they came into existence. Let us stick to their acronyms ie, XR(for extended reality), VR(for virtual reality), and AR(for augmented reality).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The history of XR can be traced back to early 1838 when scientist Sir Charles Wheatstone developed the concept of \u201cstereopsis\u201d or \u201cbinocular vision\u201d.<\/b><\/a> This was a technology where the brain combined two images to form a single 3D image. Since then, there have been rapid developments & 2010 is the year when it started to gain popularity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the case of AR and VR, we can trace their history to the year 1968 when it was invented by Ivan Sutherland.<\/b><\/a> The project was called The Sword of Damocles & was the first head-mounted display for humans to experience mixed reality by displaying computer-generated graphics. The major difference to consider here is that in the case of <\/span>Virtual Reality<\/b>, the machine was suspended from the ceiling, which made it heavy to carry around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. XR Vs. VR & AR- Comparing The Technologies Based On Their Usage In Real Life Scenarios<\/b><\/h4>\n

Let us see how they fare when we compare them based on their practical use.<\/span><\/p>\n

XR <\/b>is used widely in the mental health sector when practitioners are dealing with social anxiety disorder, Depression, Motor skill impairments, etc, cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

VR, <\/b>on the other hand, is mostly used when it comes to curing anxiety, helping to cope in crowded places, or related cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

AR <\/b>is used by mental health workers to manage phobias, boost confidence, etc.\u00a0 Similar cases need to be handled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Comparing Them Based On The Benefits Offered<\/b><\/h5>\n

Let us see some benefits we can enjoy when talking about AR, VR & XR.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therapeutic activities, Remote therapy, and breaking down barriers to treat mental health patients are some benefits that are offered by <\/span>XR<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

AR, <\/b>on the other hand, helps to face fears through exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, decreased stigma, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

VR <\/b>is not behind and is used as an anxiety and stress reliever, to treat phobias, and to help be more mindful, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. XR V\/s VR V\/s AR: Comparing Them On The Disadvantages Side<\/b><\/h6>\n

Let us see some drawbacks of augmented, virtual & extended realities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overexposure or usage of <\/span>XR <\/b>can lead to Isolation, Cyber sickness, privacy-related concerns, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Augmented Reality<\/b> leads to increased loneliness as people start seeing it as a companion. This leads to addiction and overuse increases anxiety, stress stress-related concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dizziness, Headache, decreased sense of presence, etc are some traits that are attached to excessive use of <\/span>Virtual Reality.<\/b><\/p>\n

6. What Users Say About Their Interactions Is An Important Aspect To Know When Comparing AR VR, & XR<\/span><\/h2>\n

We conducted a small survey to test the technologies on a real-time basis, and the feedback was overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to <\/span>XR<\/b>, many describe it as a highly interactive and controlled experience, exactly what today’s era needs.\u00a0 <\/span>Augmented Reality (AR)<\/b> allowed them to explore and engage with realistic scenarios, which they found incredibly captivating and wanted to experience more of.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, <\/span>Virtual Reality (VR)<\/b> provided a strong sense of presence, making them feel as though someone was right there with them, creating an immersive and impactful experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. The Devices Used Is Another Comparable Aspect When Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR In Mental Health\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Let us see what devices are used for a seamless experience and overall treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Virtual Reality (VR) Devices<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n