Limbix: VR platform for psychotherapeutic treatment

The use of VR technology for therapeutic treatment purposes for mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders or depression is an exciting field with plenty of potential for the future. In cooperation with academic research institutions, the company Limbix is now developing a VR platform for therapists to use in practice. The company was able to secure funds totalling three million US dollars in a first round of financing.

With the Limbix VR Kit virtual reality is set to enter therapists' treatment rooms in the future, revolutionising the therapy experience in a new way. The innovative treatment method should not only be more accessible for patients, but also enable better patient care. The VR goggles are wireless and, thanks to their simple handling, are designed to ensure an uncomplicated introduction to VR. The device is charged using an easily transportable docking station.

The associated interactive 360-degree software is to be used in various treatment fields and, for example, for exposure therapy in the treatment of social phobia. A corresponding clinical study is currently being conducted by Dr. Barr Taylor from Stanford University and Dr Michelle Newman from Penn State University carried out. This is how Elise Ogle describes, former researcher at the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab and programme manager at Limbix, explains how the VR experience works:

"We focus on two different types of social scenarios that a person with social phobia would have to experience in person and could benefit from exposure to the situation in VR. In these scenarios, patients practise interacting with other people and at the same time learn to process their feelings of anxiety."

The feelings of anxiety that arise are determined by numbers on a scale between one and ten and adapted to individual needs accordingly. The simulated situations are a job interview and a meeting with strangers. Other scenarios relating to other mental illnesses, such as depression, are also part of the repertoire. In order to convey an authentic feeling, all virtual environments are based on panoramic images and videos instead of animated graphics.

The Limbix VR kits will be available for purchase later in the year. Interested parties can register on a Register on the waiting list on the official website.

Source: vrnerds