AR/VR Treatment for Behavioural Addictions

Background: The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to address mental health issues such as anxiety, substance use disorders and gambling disorders has been growing. However, research exploring the use of AR/VR in the treatment of behavioural addictions has not been consolidated. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of existing literature on AR/VR interventions for behavioural addictions. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted based on the framework first proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, later refined by Levac et al., and further outlined in the JBI Manual for Evidence. The literature will be searched in six peer-reviewed databases: CINAHL, PsychInfo, PsycArticles, Ovid Medline, PubMed and Web of Science. Google Scholar will be used to complement the search. Studies will be screened by two reviewers, independently, based on inclusion criteria; discrepancies will be resolved by a third reviewer. Results: Data will be presented in a table and by a narrative summary. Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review will benefit researchers and practitioners interested in using VR/AR to treat behavioural addictions.