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

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MUST READ I 11 KEY USES OF AR & VR IN HEALTHCARE I 

XR V/s AR V/s VR In Mental Health- 13 Defining Points Of Comparison

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 XR V/s AR V/s VR, where we have explained the prime areas that set them apart through 13 must-know factors. 

So, you know what areas will be covered, we have drawn a table for you. 

Aspects	Extended Reality	Augmented Reality	Virtual Reality
1. Definition	An umbrella category	An interactive experience	A computer-generated environment
2. History	Early 1800s, when binocular-like devices called stereoscopes tricked viewers’ brains into seeing images in 3D	1968	In 1935
3. Use Cases	Social anxiety disorder, Depression, Motor skill impairments	Manage phobias, boost confidence, etc	Cure anxiety, helps to cope in crowded places, etc
4. Benefits	Therapeutic activities, Remote therapy, Breaking down barriers	Confront fears through exposure therapy, Relaxation techniques, decrease stigma, etc	Anxiety and stress relief, Phobias, Mindfulness, etc
5. Disadvantages	Isolation, Cyber sickness, privacy-related concerns, etc	Increased loneliness, can be addictive, increased anxiety and stress, etc	Dizziness, Headache, decreased sense of presence, etc
6. User Experience	Controlled and Interactive	Explore and experience realistic scenarios	Creates a sense of presence
7. Devices Used	VR headsets, AR glasses, etc	Smartphones, tablets, and dedicated AR headsets (smartglasses)	Head-mounted displays (HMDs), gloves, and joysticks
8. Effectiveness/ How to choose	In a highly immersive and controlled environment	Provide a patient with a controlled, interactive, and visually engaging environment	Treating phobias, anxiety, etc
9. The more future-ready solution	Is future-ready	Lacks the depth of a fully immersive environment	Simulate controlled scenarios for exposure therapy
10. The preferred choice of medical experts	Divided	Scenario dependent	The most preferred choice among mental health workers
11. Environment	Immersive, controlled, safe	Allows a user to connect a virtual world to the real world	VR users inhabit a fictional world
12. Future trends to know	Better connectivity, improved graphics, and more AI integration.	Use of artificial intelligence (AI), affordable devices, and integration with other technologies.	Wireless connectivity, avatars with lifelike features, and realistic movements
13. Country with the highest dependency level	USA, China, Japan	United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany	China and the USA

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. 

1. Understanding The Terms When Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health

The first step is to understand the definition of the terms, which we will get to know in this section. 

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

Augmented Reality(AR)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.

Virtual Reality(VR) 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.

2. Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health Based on Their History

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). 

The history of XR can be traced back to early 1838 when scientist Sir Charles Wheatstone developed the concept of “stereopsis” or “binocular vision”. 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. 

In the case of AR and VR, we can trace their history to the year 1968 when it was invented by Ivan Sutherland. 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 Virtual Reality, the machine was suspended from the ceiling, which made it heavy to carry around. 

3. XR Vs. VR & AR- Comparing The Technologies Based On Their Usage In Real Life Scenarios

Let us see how they fare when we compare them based on their practical use.

XR is used widely in the mental health sector when practitioners are dealing with social anxiety disorder, Depression, Motor skill impairments, etc, cases. 

VR, on the other hand, is mostly used when it comes to curing anxiety, helping to cope in crowded places, or related cases.

AR is used by mental health workers to manage phobias, boost confidence, etc.  Similar cases need to be handled. 

4. Comparing Them Based On The Benefits Offered

Let us see some benefits we can enjoy when talking about AR, VR & XR.

Therapeutic activities, Remote therapy, and breaking down barriers to treat mental health patients are some benefits that are offered by XR.

AR, on the other hand, helps to face fears through exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, decreased stigma, etc. 

VR is not behind and is used as an anxiety and stress reliever, to treat phobias, and to help be more mindful, etc. 

5. XR V/s VR V/s AR: Comparing Them On The Disadvantages Side

Let us see some drawbacks of augmented, virtual & extended realities.

Overexposure or usage of XR can lead to Isolation, Cyber sickness, privacy-related concerns, etc. 

Augmented Reality leads to increased loneliness as people start seeing it as a companion. This leads to addiction and overuse increases anxiety, stress stress-related concerns.

Dizziness, Headache, decreased sense of presence, etc are some traits that are attached to excessive use of Virtual Reality.

6. What Users Say About Their Interactions Is An Important Aspect To Know When Comparing AR VR, & XR

We conducted a small survey to test the technologies on a real-time basis, and the feedback was overwhelming.

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

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

7. The Devices Used Is Another Comparable Aspect When Comparing XR vs. AR vs. VR In Mental Health 

Let us see what devices are used for a seamless experience and overall treatment.

1. Virtual Reality (VR) Devices

• VR Headsets: These headsets fully captivate the user in a virtual environment.
• Motion Controllers: Help to interact with the virtual environment by tracking hand movements.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Devices

• Smartphones/Tablets: The most common devices for AR experiences, using cameras to connect the digital world with the real world.
• AR Glasses: Wearable glasses that blend digital content with the real world, without changing the user’s view.
• AR Headsets: More advanced headsets that deliver exceptional AR experiences.

3. Extended Reality (XR) Devices

XR makes use of both AR and VR technologies, so the devices mentioned above are also used for XR applications. In addition, some XR-specific devices are designed to merge both virtual and real worlds seamlessly.

• XR Headsets: These devices can switch between AR and VR environments, offering flexibility for both virtual and immersive and augmented experiences.
• Wearable XR Controllers: Used for motion tracking and allow users to interact with both real and virtual elements.

8. Choosing the Right Technology: How AR, VR, and XR Are Shaping Mental Health Treatment

Let us compare them based on their use cases that help mental health consultants choose the right technology in this section.

Mental health practitioners turn to XR technologies for creating immersive, controlled environments that help patients confront their anxieties, practice coping mechanisms, and go beyond just understanding their emotions or feelings. AR offers a controlled, interactive, and visually stimulating experience, while VR plays a key role in treating phobias, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

9. The More Future-Ready Technology Between Augmented Reality V/s Virtual Reality V/s Extended Reality

Let us see which is the future-ready solution in the mental health sector. 

When it comes to mental health, all three technologies in comparison have their benefits & we will see the technology that is more enabled for the way it will shape the mental health world. 

Augmented Reality (AR)provides a controlled, interactive, and visually engaging environment. This makes it ideal for enhancing therapy sessions by connecting digital elements with the real world. It is particularly useful for real-time guidance and support, but lacks the depth of immersion offered by VR.

Virtual Reality (VR)creates fully immersive environments, allowing patients to confront their anxieties or practice coping mechanisms without distractions from the real world. It is highly effective for treating phobias, anxiety, and PTSD, as it can simulate controlled scenarios for exposure therapy.

Extended Reality (XR)is a combination of both AR and VR and offers a more versatile platform that adapts to various therapeutic needs. XR incorporates both immersive and interactive elements. This allows patients with tailored environments to experience both real and virtual worlds, thus making it a more dynamic and future-proof solution for mental health treatment. 

10. The Most Preferred Choice Of Mental Health Workers When Choosing Between Augmented Reality V/s Virtual Reality V/s Extended Reality 

Let us compare them based on the most preferred choice of medical health practitioners and the reason behind this in this section. 

Virtual Reality (VR) is the most preferred choice among mental health workers, especially when it comes to treating conditions like phobias, anxiety, PTSD, and stress. Its fully immersive nature allows patients to confront their fears in a safe, controlled environment, making it a highly effective tool for exposure therapy and other therapeutic practices.

Extended Reality(XR) is gaining traction as a future-ready solution due to its ability to seamlessly integrate both AR and VR by offering even more flexibility and adaptability in therapy. 

Augmented Reality(AR) is useful for certain applications, especially for real-time interventions and cognitive exercises. VR remains the go-to choice for immersive mental health treatment.

So, we can say that Virtual Reality is the preferred choice for mental health doctors. 

11. Comparing AR, VR & XR On The Environment Offered

When comparing AR, VR, and XR in terms of the environment they offer, each technology creates a different level of captivation and interactivity & this is what we will be comparing them in this section. 

Augmented Reality (AR) offers a blended environment where digital elements overlap with the real world. This provides users with a mixed perception of reality, enhancing the physical world with digital information while allowing them to stay connected to their surroundings. This is ideal for tasks that require real-time interaction with the real environment but cannot capture the senses completely.

Virtual Reality (VR) provides a fully immersive environment that completely replaces the real world. Users are transported to a completely virtual space where they engage in a computer-generated world that can simulate various scenarios and experiences. This makes it perfect for treatment applications like exposure therapy or relaxation techniques and helps patients confront fears or practice coping strategies without real-world distractions.

Extended Reality (XR) offers the most versatile environment by merging the capabilities of both AR and VR. This ability to blend real and virtual elements creates a more adaptive environment, catering to a broader range of therapeutic needs-thereby offering a more comprehensive approach.

So it will not be wrong to say that while AR enhances the real world, VR fully immerses users in a virtual one, and XR combines the best of both, offering a dynamic, flexible environment for a wide variety of applications. 

12. The Future Trends To Know When Comparing AR With VR, & XR

Let us reflect on them based on some future trends that the technologies will offer.

Extended Reality will see developments in better connectivity, improved graphics, and more AI integration. This means a deeper, more adaptive environment, flexible wearables combining both AR & VR functionalities for more dynamic experiences, Seamless switching ability between AR and VR on multiple platforms for a more amazing experience, Cloud-based XR enabling remote therapy, etc, as some trends. 

When we talk about Virtual Reality, we can expect game-changers like improved headsets with better comfort and tracking, lifelike therapy, Cloud hosting, and Social VR spaces for peer and therapist interaction.

On the other hand, Augmented Reality will reshape the future by adding changes like Collaborative AR experiences for real-world interactions, real-time feedback, Lighter, more compact glasses and devices, etc, amongst some notable changes. 

13. Comparing Them On The Countries Where They Are Used At Large

In this section, we will see the countries that heavily rely on AR, VR, and XR.

Extended Reality is extensively used in countries like the USA, China, and Japan. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, is used largely in countries like the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. 

Talking about Virtual Reality, we can say that this is used in China and the USA. 

This concludes our blog on XR vs. AR vs. VR in Mental Health. Should you have any questions or doubts, you can always reach us through our website.

We are here to support you in your healing journey!!!