  Objective: Virtual Reality (VR) is a technological interface that allows
users to interact with a simulated environment. VR has been used extensively
for mental health and clinical research. Mental health disorders are globally
burdening health problems in the world. According to the Psychological
Interventions Implementation Manual published by WHO on 6th March 2024, around
one in eight people in the world lived with a mental disorder. This literature
review is synthesized to find out the effects of VR therapy on stress, anxiety
and depression. Method: We used Google Scholar database using keywords of VR,
stress, anxiety and depression. Publication from last ten years (2014 to 1024)
are considered. Researches only in the English language are included. All the
papers and articles with the keyword VR missing were rejected. Result: Google
Scholar yielded 17,700 results from our keywords. Nine studies met our search
criteria that are included in this review. Out of nine, five studies
encountered mental stress and gave effective results in reducing it by VR
therapy. The other four targeted mood disorders, Social anxiety disorders,
depression, loss of happiness and sleep deprivation. They also showed immense
potential in reducing mental illness while using VR. Conclusion: Findings are
in favor of the effectiveness of VR in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
Still, it is insufficient evidence to consider VR as solely independent
treatment over the traditional medication. In future, the limitations can be
overcome to relying on VR and using it in hospitals as a reliable source of
cure for mental illness.
