  Despite extensive use in related domains, Virtual Reality (VR) for
generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has received little previous attention. We
report upon a VR environment created for the Oculus Rift and Unreal Engine 4
(UE4) to investigate the potential of a VR simulation to be used as an anxiety
management tool. We introduce the broad topic of GAD and related publications
on the application of VR to this, and similar, mental health conditions. We
then describe the development of a real time simulation tool, based upon the
passive VR experience of a tranquil, rural alpine scene experienced from a
seated position with head tracking. Evaluation focused upon qualitative
feedback on the application. Testing was carried out over the period of two
weeks on a sample group of eleven students studying at Nottingham Trent
University. All participants were asked to complete the Depression, Anxiety and
Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS21) at the beginning and at the end of the study
order to assess their profile, and hence suitability to comment upon the
software. Qualitative feedback was very encouraging, with all participants
reporting that they believed the experience helped and that they would consider
utilising it if it was available. Additionally, a psychologist was asked to
test the application to provide a specialist opinion on whether it would be
appropriate for use as an anxiety management tool. The results highlight
several areas for improvement but are positive overall in terms of its
potential as a therapeutic tool.
