The use of virtual reality and positive psychology strategies for the treatment of adjustment disorders

This article presents two case studies of 2 middle-aged women who suffered from an adjustment disorder (AD) with mixed anxiety and depressed mood as a result of their younger brothers being diagnosed with schizophrenia seven and 17 years ago, respectively. The treatment applied is based on cognitive-behavioural techniques supported by the use of Virtual Reality and positive psychology strategies. After the initial assessment, the treatment was applied in 6 weekly sessions followed by a post-treatment assessment and 4 follow-up assessment periods (1, 3, 6 and 12 months). In order to evaluate the treatment efficacy measures on depressive symptoms, negative and positive affect, emotional distress, interference of the problem, posttraumatic growth degree, and satisfaction with the treatment were obtained. Results indicate that the treatment was effective. Following its application neither participant met AD criteria any more, both improved their clinical symptomatology as well as their levels of functioning and wellbeing in an essential way, and a good acceptance of the treatment was observed.