164. A study on the positive effects of VR technology combined with art therapy on depression

Abstract Background Depression is a prevalent mental disorder worldwide, with core symptoms including depressed mood, loss of interest, and impaired cognitive function, severely impacting patients' social functioning and quality of life. VR technology, through its immersive experience, can reduce defensiveness in patients seeking treatment, while art therapy releases negative emotions through artistic expression. Combining these two approaches holds promise for a synergistic intervention effect. Existing research primarily explores the efficacy of each method individually, with insufficient research into their combined positive effects and suitability. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the interventional effects of VR technology combined with art therapy on patients with depression, providing a basis for optimizing treatment plans. Methods Ninety patients diagnosed with mild to moderate depression by psychiatry, all without serious physical illness or cognitive impairment, were selected for this study. They were divided into three groups based on the intervention method: a combined group, a single VR therapy group, and a single art therapy group, with 30 patients in each group. The combined group received a combined VR immersive intervention and art therapy, while the single groups received only the corresponding single therapy. The control group maintained routine medication and regular psychological counseling. The intervention period was 3 months. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used for assessment at baseline and 3 months later. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and independent samples t-tests were used for inter-group comparisons. Results At baseline, there were no significant differences in SDS, HAMD, and SF-36 scores among the three groups (p>.05). After 3 months of intervention, the combined group's SDS score decreased from 63.8 ± 7.2 to 33.5 ± 5.8 (p<.001), and the HAMD score decreased from 24.6 ± 4.3 to 8.9 ± 3.2 (p<.001), both significantly lower than the control group (p<.001). The combined group's SF-36 score increased from 51.2 ± 6.3 to 78.6 ± 5.5 (p<.001), significantly higher than both control groups (p<.01). These results indicate that VR technology combined with art therapy is most effective in alleviating depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. Discussion The results show that the combined intervention of VR technology and art therapy has a significant positive effect on patients with depression. The synergistic mechanism lies in the fact that the immersive experience of VR reduces patients' psychological defenses, creating a safe environment for emotional expression, while art therapy provides a non-verbal channel for expression, releasing negative emotions. This combined approach enriches non-pharmacological interventions for depression, combining fun and targeted approaches, and helps improve treatment adherence. Future research could expand the sample size and extend the follow-up period to explore suitable interventions for patients with different degrees of depression, optimize VR scene design and art therapy themes, and further improve the accuracy and long-term effectiveness of the intervention. Funding No. 415.