Virtual Reality-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment in Patients With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with elevated rates of cigarette smoking compared with the general population. Smoking is considered one of the major contributors to reduced life expectancy and increased physical morbidity in individuals with schizophrenia. Previous pharmacological and behavioral smoking cessation interventions have demonstrated limited effectiveness in this population, with low long-term abstinence rates and frequent relapse.

Virtual Reality has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic tool in mental health research. Studies conducted in non-clinical populations suggest that virtual reality-based interventions may support smoking cessation by providing immersive and controlled environments related to smoking behavior and craving management. However, there is currently limited research examining the effectiveness of virtual reality-based smoking cessation interventions in schizophrenia.

The present study investigated the effects of a 10-week virtual reality-based smoking cessation intervention in patients with schizophrenia and healthy smokers. The study included four parallel groups: schizophrenia patients receiving virtual reality intervention, schizophrenia patients receiving no intervention, healthy controls receiving virtual reality intervention, and healthy controls receiving no intervention. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention period using measures of nicotine dependence, cigarette consumption, clinical symptoms, neuropsychological performance, quality of life, and social condition.