The Role of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Anxiety Disorders and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.70515Keywords
AI cognitive training, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, AI in Medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),Abstract
Background. Among the most common mental illnesses in the world, anxiety disorders are
linked to severe impairments in everyday functioning and quality of life.
The gold standard for treatment is still exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
but it is frequently constrained by psychological and practical obstacles associated with real-
life exposure.
Aim. This literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and
clinical applications of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) in the treatment of anxiety
disorders.
Materials and methods. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus,
Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search included studies published between 2015
and 2026 that examined the use of VRET in clinical populations with anxiety disorders.
Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews were all
included.
Results. Results show VRET works well for various anxiety conditions - fear of heights,
social situations, trauma responses. Unlike real-life exposure, it matches results yet gives
more precision, comfort, fewer risks. New tech upgrades make simulations feel closer to
reality, easier to reach.
Conclusions. The use of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for the treatment of anxietydisorders is still developing and research has shown that it can be an effective and a more
accessible form of treatment than other traditional methods. There are some limitations to
date such as differing types of studies conducted with some providing no longitudinal data,
but further exploration is needed to provide more consistent methodology and standards for
evaluating long-term efficacy.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jakub Kot, Julia Zjawiony, Wiktoria Leja, Maciej Błaszczak, Zeeshan Zulfiqar, Katarzyna Latalska, Maciej Szczupaj, Andżelika Pastuszak, Konrad Borkowski, Jakub Rudnicki
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