#Virtualreality

A recent wave of research and personal testimony is reframing hoarding not as mere clutter or eccentric collecting but as a complex mental-health condition often rooted in trauma, with serious safety and social consequences — and new treatments, including virtual reality, are showing promise. Reporting this week that brings together first-person accounts and clinical trials highlights how hoarding disorder (HD) was added to global diagnostic manuals only in the past decade, affects millions, commonly co-occurs with other health problems, and requires a compassionate, long-term approach that balances safety, legal rights and therapeutic care [CNN; WHO; US Senate report]. For Thai readers, the findings point to gaps in recognition and services here at home — but also to practical steps families and local services can take, from harm-reduction to peer-led programs and mental-health referral pathways [CNN; Department of Mental Health, Thailand].

Groundbreaking clinical research and deeply personal accounts from survivors are transforming how mental health professionals understand hoarding disorder, revealing it as a complex trauma response rather than simple disorganization or excessive collecting habits. Leading international studies published this month demonstrate that hoarding disorder, officially recognized in diagnostic manuals only since 2013, affects millions globally while remaining severely underdiagnosed, particularly in Thai communities where cultural values around thrift and saving can mask serious mental health conditions. The latest evidence shows that innovative treatments, including virtual reality therapy and peer-support programs, offer new hope for families struggling with this challenging condition. Most significantly for Thai readers, these findings expose critical gaps in local recognition and treatment services while highlighting practical, culturally-sensitive interventions that families and communities can implement immediately.

A new study has revealed that “virtual forest bathing”—experiencing the sights, sounds, and even scents of natural forests through digital technology—can significantly reduce stress and boost mood, offering potential mental health benefits to people with limited access to nature. As Thailand’s cities grow increasingly dense and natural green spaces become harder to access for many urbanites, these findings carry important implications for stress management and wellness across the kingdom.

Originating from Japan, the concept of “forest bathing” or Shinrin Yoku involves spending quiet, undistracted time in a forest environment to calm the mind and promote health. Traditionally, this practice fosters deep immersion in nature, but modern lifestyles and urban expansion are rapidly separating millions—including Thais in cities like Bangkok—from such restorative environments. With green spaces shrinking and daily pressures mounting, experts have been exploring alternative methods to connect people with nature’s healing effects, even from within the cityscape.

In a groundbreaking new study unveiled at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, researchers revealed that simply viewing a hot virtual environment via VR can help the body cool off more efficiently during exercise. This innovative approach holds promise for athletes, military personnel, and outdoor workers in Thailand and around the world, suggesting a new direction for safe and effective heat acclimation training without ever leaving the room (Newswise).

Against the backdrop of rising temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses in Thailand, the findings offer timely insights. Bangkok, notorious for its sweltering climate, regularly sees heat advisories, with 2023 setting a new national record for highest temperature at 45.4°C in Tak province (Bangkok Post). Outdoor laborers, soldiers, and endurance athletes face mounting risks as global temperatures climb. The prospect of adapting to heat safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively is increasingly vital for the country’s public health and occupational safety.