Computer-Generated Avatars Provide New Approach for Psychosis Treatment: Study

AVATAR therapy consists of a structured series of guided sessions where participants converse with a computer-generated avatar of their distressing voice.

A recent study by King’s College London has demonstrated that AVATAR therapy, a treatment involving computer-generated avatars, can significantly reduce the distress and frequency with which individuals with psychosis hear voices.

The therapy, which uses animated digital representations of the voices experienced by participants, has been shown to help voice hearers gain control and reduce the distress these voices cause.

Published in Nature Medicine on October 28, 2024, the research has gained a recommendation from the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Early Value Assessment, paving the way for potential implementation in NHS settings for broader real-world evidence collection.

How Does AVATAR Therapy Work?

AVATAR therapy consists of a structured series of guided sessions where participants converse with a computer-generated avatar of their distressing voice.

Prior to beginning therapy, participants collaborate with a therapist to design the avatar, giving it a visual representation and tone similar to the voice they experience.

Over multiple sessions, participants are taught to confront the voice, assert their control, and reduce the power it holds over them.

The therapist facilitates a three-way interaction, speaking directly with the participant and voicing the avatar through voice conversion software, creating a controlled environment for participants to safely engage with their voice.

Lead author Philippa Garety, professor emerita of clinical psychology at King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), highlighted the potential impact of this therapeutic approach.

“To our knowledge, this is the first therapeutic intervention that has a direct and sustained impact on the frequency with which people hear voices. Hearing fewer voices, less often, or even their complete cessation can have a hugely positive impact on daily life,” Garety stated.

Clinical Study Results

The study, involving 345 participants from clinical centers associated with universities in Glasgow, Manchester, University College London (UCL), and King’s, tested both a brief (six-session) and extended (12-session) version of AVATAR therapy.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two AVATAR treatment groups or continued with their standard care as a control group.

Researchers conducted follow-up assessments at 16 weeks and three months post-therapy to evaluate changes in distress, severity, frequency of voices, and overall participant well-being.

Results at the 16-week follow-up showed statistically significant improvements for those who underwent AVATAR therapy compared to the control group.

Participants reported reduced distress related to the voices, lessened severity and frequency of the voices themselves, and enhanced empowerment, mood, and well-being.

The findings indicate that both the brief and extended versions of AVATAR therapy yielded positive outcomes across key measures.

With these promising results, Dr Thomas Ward, clinical lead for AVATAR therapy at King’s IoPPN, expressed optimism for broader access to the therapy.

“Our latest findings have demonstrated the effectiveness of AVATAR therapy across multiple sites. With the NICE Early Value Assessment recommendation, we hope to see AVATAR therapy available in several NHS Trusts in 2025,” said Ward.

The research team is now exploring how to expand AVATAR therapy across England, including additional research collaborations with mental health professionals worldwide.

This rollout could provide access to AVATAR therapy in various NHS settings within the next year, allowing clinicians to collect more extensive data on its effectiveness and sustainability.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.