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No. 2 (2026)

GENERAL THERAPY QUESTIONS AND REVIEWS

Analysis of Modern Data on the Use of Virtual Reality Technologies and Binaural Beats in the Treatment of Affective Disorders

https://doi.org/10.48612/psyph/29rn-9f4r-x5pt

Published 2026-06-30

  • A.A. Bikmeeva
    • ,
  • Y.M. Nikolaev

A.A. Bikmeeva
Bashkir State Medical University

Y.M. Nikolaev
Bashkir State Medical University

Abstract

Relevance. With the increasing prevalence of mental disorders, including recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder, the search for innovative, noninvasive, and accessible treatment methods is particularly important. Virtual reality (VR) technologies and binaural beats demonstrate high potential for improving psychoemotional states and cognitive functions.

Aim — presentation of contemporary scientific data on the application of virtual reality technologies and binaural beats in the therapy of affective disorders (recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder).

Materials and Methods. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and eLIBRARY.RU for the period from 2021 to 2026 using keywords. The final analysis included 11 publications that most accurately met the objective of the article and were related to prospective studies.

Results. VR technologies contribute to reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving cognitive performance, stabilizing emotional state, and preventing relapses in patients with affective disorders. Binaural beats have proven to be a safe and accessible method of restorative therapy, capable of improving cognitive functions and quality of life.

Conclusions. VR technologies and binaural beats are promising adjunctive tools for the therapy of affective disorders. Further large-scale studies with unified protocols, monitoring of long-term effects, and comparative analysis with other treatment methods are required to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations.

Keywords

virtual reality, binaural beats, recurrent depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder

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