Alleviating negative symptoms in schizophrenia using a virtual reality-based therapy targeting social reward learning (ENGAGE): Protocol for a randomised, controlled, assessor-blind pilot study.

ABSTRACT: In individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), negative symptoms (NS) are known to be associated with low quality of life, predictive of adverse long-term outcomes, and barriers to relevant life goals such as educational, vocational, and social attainment. As social cognition, processes of reward appraisal, and anticipation are impaired in individuals with SSD, these dysfunctions are likely to be intertwined with the pathogenesis of NS. Despite their debilitating nature, there remains a scarcity of treatment options for NS, as they, unlike positive symptoms, are largely unaffected by pharmacological interventions. Among indications that psychosocial interventions can reduce NS, more robust evidence is warranted for interventions that directly target NS. In light of the recent

SUBMITTER: Donath VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507218 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature