Changes in Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Patients Undergoing Avatar Therapy: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Avatar Therapy has a significant impact on symptoms, beliefs, and quality of life of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, little is known about how these changes are implemented into their lives and to which aspects of their lives these improvements relate. Ten consecutive patients enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial were assessed using semi-guided interviews before as well as three months after Avatar Therapy. These encounters have been recorded and transcribed so that the discourse could be thoroughly analyzed, leading to the generation of an extensive theme grid. As the cases were analyzed, the grid was adapted in a back-and-forth manner until data saturation occurred. The content analysis allowed the identification of nine main themes representing different aspects of the patients’ lives, each of which was subdivided into more specific codes. By analyzing the evolution of their frequency, it was observed that, following therapy, patients presented with fewer psychotic symptoms, better self-esteem, more hobbies and projects, and an overall improved lifestyle and mood. Finally, investigating the impact of Avatar Therapy on quality of life allows for a deeper understanding of how people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia can achieve meaningful changes and move towards a certain recovery process.