Virtual Reality for the Treatment of Perinatal Mental health: A Rapid Scoping Review (Preprint)

Abstract

Mental health struggles are notably prevalent during the perinatal period, with studies highlighting increased rates of mood disorders among new parents, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. eHealth treatments have been growing in popularity, with research exploring innovative solutions such as virtual reality (VR), which offers a promising alternative or adjunct to established treatments through immersive technology.

This rapid scoping review aims to evaluate the available VR applications for treating perinatal mental health disorders, focusing on their effectiveness in reducing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, which are common during the perinatal period.

Adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR, as well as making adjustments based on the Cochrane Rapid Reviews guidelines, a comprehensive search across five databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies utilizing VR interventions during the perinatal period with outcomes related to mental health symptoms. A total of 308 studies were screened, with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis.

The review included studies primarily conducted in high-income countries from 2019 to 2024. The majority (80%) were randomized controlled trials, employing VR through head-mounted displays. Studies predominantly targeted anxiety and depression, with VR environments ranging from nature scenes to therapeutic content. Results suggest a positive impact of VR interventions on reducing anxiety and depression levels among participants.

VR appears to be a promising option for managing perinatal mental health. The immersive nature of VR may provide opportunities for emotional relief and support during this critical period through immersive and engaging experiences which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the body of research remains limited, indicating a need for further studies to explore the long-term benefits and potential integration of VR into perinatal healthcare practices. The promising results from initial studies encourage continued exploration and development within this innovative therapeutic field.