Effect of virtual reality attention training on cognitive function in patients with depressive episodes
Lyu Sihui, Zhang Lu, Zhong Shuming, Jia Yanbin, Lai Shunkai, Shen Shiyi, Shan Yanyan, Liu Xuanjun, Hu Yilei, Miao Haofei
Published 2020-10-05
Cite as Chin J Psychiatry, 2020, 53(5): 384-391. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn113661-20191009-00348
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) attention training on cognitive function in patients with depressive episode.
Methods64 patients diagnosed as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder depressive episodes according to the DSM-5 criteria were recruited. They were randomized into virtual reality training (VRT) group (n=23), computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) group (n=21) and blank control group (n=20). Prior to the intervention, seven cognitive functions were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)-B version in all patients, via information processing speed (IPS), attention/alertness (ATT), working memory, word learning, visual learning (VL), reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. VRT group and CCRT group were trained for four weeks at a frequency of five days a week, and half an hour for each day training. Blank control group did not receive any treatment related to attention training. After the training, three groups were assessed by the MCCB-A. The differences of the cognitive functions among three groups were explored by the repeated analysis of ANOVA and paired sample ttest.
Results(1) Before the intervention, there were no differences in all cognitive functions (all P>0.05) among three groups. (2) After four-week interventions, the cognition of IPS, ATT and VL in VRT group (56.74±9.68, 56.48±10.22, 57.83±4.16), CCRT group (48.90±9.77, 49.48±9.51, 55.95±5.52) and the blank control group (50.35±7.93, 47.55±7.80, 47.95±9.90) had significant groups×time interactions (F=14.06, 12.88, 9.39, all P<0.01); simple effect analysis showed that IPS and ATT scores in VRT group were higher than both CCRT group and the blank control group (allP<0.05), while the VL scores in VRT group and CCRT group were both higher than the blank control group (allP<0.01).(3) Cognitive functions in VRT group significantly improved in IPS, ATT, VL and overall domains compared with the baseline (t=-9.33, -6.00, -5.13, -6.26, all P<0.01).
ConclusionVR attention training may be more beneficial than CCRT attention training to improve the attention among depressive patients.
Key words:
Depressive disorder; Depression; Virtual reality; Attention; Cognition
Contributor Information
Lyu Sihui
Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Zhang Lu
Department of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Zhong Shuming
Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Jia Yanbin
Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Lai Shunkai
Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Shen Shiyi
Department of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Shan Yanyan
Psychology and Neuroscience Department, Duke University, Durham 27705, USA
Liu Xuanjun
Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Hu Yilei
Department of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Miao Haofei
Department of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
