Avatars May Reduce Depression, Case Western Reserve University Links Virtual-3D Images with Health Care

A new preliminary study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University suggests that depression symptoms may be significantly reduced when 18- to 25-year-olds interact with computerized avatars-virtual 3D images of a health care provider like a nurse practitioner or physician-as a way to rehearse office visits ahead of time and learn self-management skills.

The study results were published in the current Applied Nursing Research journal article, "Avatar based depression self-management technology: promising approach to improve depression symptoms among young adults." 

Melissa Pinto, PhD, RN, a KL2 Clinical Research Scholar and instructor at Case Western Reserve's, collaborated with developers to conduct the study.

Typically, young adults are in a period of transition, and are often reluctant to seek treatment for mental health problems because of the stigma surround it or inadequate insurance coverage and difficulty finding a mental health care provider. Pinto believes the study to be the first to use an avatar-based intervention for this age group to improve symptoms of depression and a possible jump to help struggling younger generations needing treatment.

The researcher used a Case Western Reserve-designed virtual program, called eSMART-MH. eSMART-MH was adapted from a previous platform (eSMART-HD) designed by the team to help adults with chronic health problems manage their health, according to a press release.
  
The interactive avatar program, eSMART-MH, was designed in Buchner's Virtual Gaming Lab and tailored for young adults with depressive symptoms. The program walks young adults through a healthcare appointment with an avatar healthcare provider in a virtual setting. During the visits, young adults can talk about their depression and manage symptoms effectively.

The study concluded that those in the study who received eSMART-MH had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms over a three-month study as well as a drop in depressive symptoms below the level for clinical significance.

"We are very early in the science. We look forward to assessing the eSMART-MH again in a larger study of young people," Pinto said.

To find out more about the details of the study, click here.