Enhancing Insight in Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study on Avatar Therapy Using Virtual Reality

• Published in: Journal of clinical psychology 2025-01
• Main Authors: Wille, Lara, Lohse, Luzie, Jelinek, Lena, Moritz, Steffen, Schultz, Josephine, Borsutzky, Swantje, Yassari, Amir H, Mariegaard, Lise, Vernal, Ditte Lammers, Bekker, Sanne Helene, Glenthøj, Louise Birkedal, Miegel, Franziska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23772

Treatment efficacy for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with poor insight is low. Insight refers to a patient's ability to recognize that their obsessions are irrational and that their compulsions are futile attempts to reduce anxiety. This case study presents the first application of virtual reality-assisted avatar therapy for OCD (VRT-OCD) in a patient with contamination OCD and ambivalent insight. Before treatment, the patient was not distanced from the content of his obsessions, which obstructed treatment progress. VRT-OCD aims to enhance insight by creating distance between the patient's functional self and their OCD by means of a virtual avatar, an individually designed visual representation of their OCD. The three-session therapy involved engaging with the avatar, practicing resistance to the OCD, and reinforcing self-esteem based on the patient's values. By learning that his obsessions hindered him from living life according to his values, the patient was motivated to engage in dialog with his avatar and learned to stand up for himself. After treatment, the patient had improved insight (BABS score reduced by 71%) and reduced symptoms (Y-BOCS score reduced by 51%). First results suggest that VRT-OCD may increase insight and empower patients to confront their obsessions, leading to increased motivation to resist their compulsions. This study highlights the feasibility, acceptance, and potential effectiveness of VRT-OCD as a novel therapeutic approach for individuals with OCD.