Responding to personalised avatars in virtual reality: summary report from consultation groups

What did we do?

In spring 2021, Mind and University College London ran four online consultation groups to find out what people thought about a new virtual reality treatment for depression. Around 1800 people were interested in taking part. We chose participants for as much diversity as possible in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and location in the UK. Each session was attended by around eight participants and facilitated by at least two people who had experienced depression themselves.

What did we find out?

Participants agreed that the VR treatment was likely to be helpful to many people with depression. They told us that it’s important to offer a range of options alongside medication and talking therapies, as different things work for different people. They also said that the VR would appeal to younger people and those who find it harder to engage with traditional approaches to depression.

Participants advised us to offer choices within the VR treatment. Elements like breathing and relaxation exercises, home practice, and personalised avatars should be flexible so that people can choose options to suit them. The role of the facilitator is crucial in helping people to use the VR intervention safely. Facilitators need to be highly skilled and well supported.

What difference did it make?

As a result of the consultation groups, we introduced more flexibility into the VR intervention, including:

• new options for breathing and relaxation exercises;

• choice between personalised or custom avatars, and between adult and child avatars;

• home practice in digital or handwritten formats;

• “take a break” function to be used at any time during VR sessions.

Facilitators will guide people through these options so that they are not overwhelming, and we have identified facilitator training as a priority for the near future.

The first clinical trial is currently in progress and we will continue to adapt the VR treatment in response to user feedback.