Effect of Virtual Reality Technology Combined with Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Therapy on Elderly Patients with Depression

Dai Jiali; Zhang Yang; Ma Jinbo

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-5775.2025.12.009

Abstract：Objective:To analyze the effect of virtual reality technology(VR)combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy(MBSR)on the clinical efficacy of elderly patients with depression(LLD).Methods:50 LLD admitted to Daqing Third Hospital from September to December 2023 were selected as the study objects,and randomly divided into control group(25 cases)and VR+MBSR group(25 cases).The control group was treated with conventional drug therapy and health education,and the VR+MBSR group was treated with virtual reality technology combined with mindfully based stress reduction therapy based on drug therapy.Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Five-factor Mindfulness Scale(FFMQ),General Self-efficacy Scale(GSES),Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montreal Cognitive Scale(MoCA),and Social Dysfunction Screening Scale(SDSS)were used to evaluate symptom severity,social function,cognitive function,self-efficacy and mildfulness-based stress reduction therapy.Results:After 8 weeks of intervention,HAMA,HAMD,GSES and MoCA scores in the VR+MBSR group were higher than before intervention,while SDSS scores were lower than before intervention,with statistically significant difference(t=3.513,6.657,-5.527,-2.773,2.206;P＜0.05).After 8 weeks of intervention,the total score of FFMQ in both groups was significantly increased,and the dimensions of conscious action,non-judgment and non-response in the VR+MBSR group were lower than those before intervention,with statistically significant difference(t=2.982,2.888,2.202,2.959;P＜0.05).Conclusion:VR combined MBSR can improve the clinical efficacy,social and cognitive level,and self-efficacy of LLD.