Virtual Reality-Based Avatar Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Hallucinations Among Schizophrenia Patients

Researchers at Semmelweis University in Hungary have reported encouraging results from a clinical study investigating the effectiveness of virtual reality-based avatar therapy in managing persistent auditory hallucinations among patients with schizophrenia. Published in Acta Psychologica, the research suggests that the approach could help reduce both the frequency of hallucinations and the psychological distress associated with them.

The study involved 30 patients who continued experiencing auditory hallucinations despite receiving antipsychotic medication. Researchers created personalised digital avatars representing the voices heard by individual patients, allowing them to engage with these virtual figures during supervised therapeutic sessions.

Each avatar was designed to resemble the appearance, tone and speech patterns associated with the patient's hallucinated voice. During therapy, clinicians controlled the avatar's responses, helping participants confront distressing experiences and develop healthier ways of responding to them.

Participants initially continued their prescribed medication for 12 weeks, followed by seven avatar therapy sessions over another 12-week period. Results showed that 13 patients, representing 43.3% of the study group, experienced clinically meaningful improvement. Two participants reported complete disappearance of their hallucinated voices, while four experienced at least a 50% reduction in symptom severity.

Researchers also observed reductions in hallucination frequency and associated emotional distress. However, they emphasised that the findings require confirmation through larger clinical investigations.

The team clarified that avatar therapy is intended to complement existing psychiatric treatment rather than replace medication.

The research highlights the potential of combining virtual reality technology with established psychotherapeutic techniques to support patients experiencing persistent and distressing symptoms of schizophrenia.

11-11-2026