Music and VR Combine in Innovative Anxiety Treatment
Could Soundtrack Your Path to Wellbeing?
A groundbreaking research project is underway, exploring the potential of virtual reality combined with personalized music to improve mental health.
The project is rolling out a program called’ VR-Melody,’ designed to offer a new approach to anxiety treatment. Up to 50 participants will use a VR module at home for 10-14 days. The research coincides with a concerning rise in anxiety rates:
in the UK, anxiety impacts a staggering 60% of the population, contributing to an estimated mental health cost €105.2 billion ($134 billion) annually. Depression rates are also on the rise, particularly among teenagers, with one-third prescribed antidepressants.
“Many people struggle with the symptoms of anxiety. By combining VR and music, we hope to give people tools to help with and understand their mental health.” Shared, a leader of the project named Dr. Simon Riches, “I’ve been using VR for mental health treatments for many years and seen its positive impact on patients. This project will expand our knowledge of VR’s unique qualities and, ultimately has huge potential to help more patients. We want to start a revolution in the treatment of mental health and make a difference to people’s wellbeing.
Bringing together researchers from Rescape and a robust music catalog featuring music from Universal Music Group (UMG), the study builds upon existing VR therapeutic treatments. Rescape’s ‘DR.VR’, already implemented in over 60 UK hospitals, will act as the foundation for this project, harnessing the power of immersive experiences combined with familiar and comforting soundtracks. Using curated playlists designed precisely for therapeutic impact.
“The power of music in relationship to mental health is well documented. This novel project, which combines UMG’s vast music catalog and virtual reality, unlocks a new avenue in the treatment of anxiety, and we hope will make a real difference to people’s lives, ” shares James Healy, SVP, Digital Strategy and Business Development at UMG.
“We’re excited to be part of it.”
Beyond Rescape and UMG’s involvement, the project incorporates expertise from Bria.ai and Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research. The team aims to publish their findings in early 2025.
“We see the positive impact🤤 that our VR therapeutic treatment, called DR.VR, has on staff and patients every day. This project is an exciting opportunity to further explore the power of music.
We are going to need bold visions and new partnerships to solve society’s mental health crisis. UMG gives us an in-depth resource of well-loved music, knowledge and inspiration that we can harness to spark a new way of approaching mental fitness,” explains Kevin Moss, CEO of Rescape Innovation.
Involving participants who will provide regular feedback through the researchU MGM partnered with Hafod, a not-for-profit engaged in mental health support.
