A Case Study Utilizing Virtual Reality to Reduce Behavioral Symptoms and Brainwave Activity Related to Anxiety

Of the mental health disorders, anxiety conditions maintain the highest base rate. The goal of this case study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of TRIPP VR, a virtual reality meditation application, utilizing a qEEG analysis program to recognize significant changes in brain wave patterns governing neuroelectrical impulses when compared to pretest results. Additional outcome measures included behavioral rating scales. A 13-year-old female demonstrating clinical signs of anxiety completed the required trials. Twenty-five sessions of meditation using TRIPP VR were administered to the participant over 8 weeks. Metrics used to demonstrate effectiveness included qEEG analysis and behavioral rating scales via a pre–post test design. Behavioral rating scales and qEEG analysis (which both use a normative population database) revealed marked decreases in the patient’s negative affect and anxiety as well as a significant decrease in hiBeta (20–30 Hz) amplitudes. Significant physiological changes were also noted in regions of interest (ROI) proposed to correlate with anxiety, impulsivity, depression, and emotional inhibition. Of note, the patient remained “at risk” for anxiety. The current findings provide preliminary evidence which demonstrates the immersive potential of VR therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and possibly other psychological conditions. Limitations and the implications of these findings are discussed.