Dr Lucia Valmaggia, a psychological researcher at King’s College London, has used virtual reality technology to gain a more in-depth understanding of disorders like schizophrenia, psychosis, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Furthermore, because virtual reality therapy has proven to be highly effective when used alongside cognitive behavioural therapy, the technology can be used as part of treatment programmes for the conditions.

Situations that are able to trigger stress, anxiety or paranoia – such as being in a crowded space, like public transport – can be simulated in computer-generated environments through the use of virtual reality headsets.

However, the benefit of the headsets is that they allow patients to experience the same tension while being in a controlled environment, meaning that medical researchers can observe them and help to manage their mental health without putting anyone else at risk.

During the sessions with Dr Valmaggia, patients are told to let her know if they feel too stressed or affected by any particular virtual reality experience, so the session can be stopped.

Following the sessions, a patient talks through their reactions to the specific situations they have been placed in as part of the virtual world, and their responses are compiled so a psychologist can review them and plan a treatment plan accordingly.

The ultimate aim of the project is to support patients and help them to understand why certain situations can trigger a stronger reaction than others, to help them manage their illness in the physical world.