Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder in Individuals with Severe Mental Disorders: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a complex issue, even more so when it is comorbid with a severe mental disorder (SMD). Available interventions are at best slightly effective, and their effects are not maintained over time. Therefore, the integration of virtual reality (VR) may increase efficacy; however, it has not yet been investigated in the treatment of CUD. A novel approach, avatar intervention for CUD, uses existing therapeutic techniques from other recommended therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral methods, motivational interviewing) and allows participants to practice them in real-time. During immersive sessions, participants are invited to interact with an avatar representing a significant person related to their drug use. This pilot clinical trial aimed to evaluate the short-term ef

SUBMITTER: Giguere S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10223054 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature