Augmented Reality in the Treatment of Stress and Anxiety Disorders: A Literature Synthesis
Vona, F., Kuhlencord, K., Fox, J., Kojic, T., Shiban, Y. & Voigt-Antons, J.-N.
Paper presented at the first workshop on Designing Safe and Effective Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs) for Health Care: Risks, Benefits, and Best Practices (DESIGN IVA HC 2025), Berlin, Germany
Abstract
Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are increasingly integrated into exposure therapy and related interventions for anxiety disorders.As the field rapidly expands, a diverse body of research has emerged, spanning clinical trials, technology development, and application in real-world and therapeutic contexts.However, a comprehensive synthesis of research patterns and thematic directions within this literature is lacking.This systematic review aims to map and characterize the general research trends, thematic clusters, and methodological patterns of AR-based interventions for anxiety and related disorders.Rather than focusing on isolated mechanisms or specific clinical factors, the review provides an overarching view of how the field has evolved, the principal areas of focus, and the gaps that remain.The review identified studies investigating AR exposure therapy and related AR interventions for anxiety.Included articles were analyzed for publication trends, targeted disorders, clinical and technical approaches, and thematic content.Unsupervised clustering and qualitative synthesis were used to group studies by major research themes.The review reveals a substantial increase in AR exposure therapy research over the past decade.Four primary thematic clusters were identified: (1) AR for stress management and real-world applications; (2) integration of AR within cognitive behavioral therapy and broader anxiety treatment; (3) AR exposure therapy for specific phobias, often supported by clinical validation; and (4) the use of virtual avatars and social interaction within AR environments, reflecting technical innovation and new therapeutic paradigms.The literature is characterized by rapid growth, increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, and a shift toward more rigorous empirical designs, though significant gaps remain in sample diversity, standardized reporting, and long-term evaluation.
Cite as
Vona, F., Kuhlencord, K., Fox, J., Kojic, T., Shiban, Y. & Voigt-Antons, J.-N. (2025, September). Augmented Reality in the Treatment of Stress and Anxiety Disorders: A Literature Synthesis. Paper presented at the first workshop on Designing Safe and Effective Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs) for Health Care: Risks, Benefits, and Best Practices (DESIGN IVA HC 2025), Berlin, Germany.
