Investigation of the Effects of Virtual Reality Applications on Sensory Processing, Cognitive Skills, Social Functioning and Disease Symptoms in Individuals Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that can cause serious disability and negatively affect quality of life and functionality. According to the results of studies conducted to date, it is assumed that schizophrenia is a syndrome rather than a single disease due to its different clinical types, clinical appearance, course and treatment responses that vary from patient to patient. Schizophrenia is one of the diseases that cause the most disability worldwide. According to World Health Organization data, schizophrenia is in the top ten list of diseases that cause disability for individuals aged 15-44. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia usually experience difficulties in the areas of Sensory Processing, Cognitive Functions and Social Skills. Sensory processing disorders in individuals with schizophrenia affect the processes of perceiving and interpreting environmental stimuli: Sounds, lights or tactile stimuli that are considered ordinary in daily life may become disturbing or there may be difficulty in combining visual and auditory information in a harmonious way. This situation also negatively affects social interactions. For example, Javitt and Freedman stated that sensory processing disorders in schizophrenia are related to both cognitive and social functioning dimensions of the disease.

Social skills are one of the most frequently affected areas in schizophrenia and various impairments can be observed. Difficulty in social interactions, introversion and communication problems are frequently observed. Difficulty in understanding facial expressions, body language or tone of voice, decreased ability to understand the emotional states of others or avoidance of social interactions and isolation can be observed. Pinkham et al. stated that social cognition is a significant problem in schizophrenia and that this situation has a direct effect on social functioning. Individuals with schizophrenia also experience impairments in their ability to recognize and express emotions. Kohler et al. emphasized that emotional processing disorders in schizophrenia make social relationships even more difficult.

Schizophrenia can lead to significant impairments especially in cognitive areas and this can significantly affect the individual's daily life. For example; difficulty in focusing on a sustained task, deficiencies in the ability to retain and use instant information, or impairments in higher-level cognitive functions such as problem solving, planning, and decision making. A meta-analysis found that individuals with schizophrenia had significant disadvantages compared to healthy individuals in all cognitive areas. One study showed that parietal lobe functions (related to motor planning) may be impaired in individuals with schizophrenia and that this situation has effects on motor control. These problems reduce the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia and make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. Innovative approaches such as virtual reality offer promising solutions for rehabilitation in these areas.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology in which users experience the feeling of being in three-dimensional environments created by computers. This technology abstracts the user from the physical world and includes them in a virtual world through special headsets and sensors.

Virtual reality technology is used in various fields today. In recent years, it has been increasingly used in medicine and psychology. It is especially effective as a rehabilitation and treatment tool in various disease groups. Virtual reality applications have various advantages and limitations. Advantages: Individuals receive therapy in a controlled environment, away from the risks they may encounter in the real world. Virtual reality environments offer more realistic and impressive experiences than traditional therapies. Applications can be customized according to the needs of individuals. Virtual reality devices objectively measure and record the individual's behaviors and reactions. Limitations: The cost of virtual reality equipment and access to technology may be limited. Some individuals may experience side effects such as dizziness or nausea in virtual environments. More research is needed on the long-term effectiveness of some applications. Virtual reality applications in schizophrenia are drawing attention as an innovative approach to improving individuals' cognitive, social and sensory functions. Such applications provide an effective alternative to traditional methods by allowing therapeutic interventions in a safe environment. Virtual reality targets several areas where individuals with schizophrenia have difficulties. These include; Social Skills: Provides safe practice of social interactions by simulating real-life social situations.