Immersive Virtual Reality Cruise Garden Relaxation Train: A Novel BCI Platform for Depression

The staggering global prevalence of depression extends to Taiwan, where approximately 8.9% of the population exhibits symptoms of depression, affecting around 2 million individuals, with 1.25 million classified as severe cases. Depression exerts profound impacts on both socioeconomic and health aspects, ranking as one of the leading causes of disability and closely linked with dementia. Over 70% of suicides involve individuals with depression, and those with depression face significantly higher suicide risks compared to the general population. Of particular concern is the higher-than-expected prevalence of depression, which, if left untreated, may escalate suicide risks. Research indicates that individuals with depression display unstable and imbalanced brainwave patterns, characterized by a lack of normal baseline brainwaves and elevated slow waves. While the commonly used repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy can modulate brainwaves, the treatment is costly and often associated with high relapse rates, imposing a significant burden on patients. Recent studies reveal that potential depression sufferers commonly experience brainwave dysregulation and neuro-immune disruption, emphasizing the need for personalized emotional, brainwave, and autonomic nervous system regulation, along with community support. This study aims to integrate elements such as “Brainwave Entrainment with Schumann Resonance and Autonomic Nervous System Feedback Device”, “Light Therapy Device”, and “Garden Train-Style Anxiety-Relief Environment” to provide simulated natural environment brainwave and autonomic nervous system regulation, as well as light therapy. Additionally, it involves designing a safe “Garden Train” virtual reality environment to offer a secure and comforting anxiety-relief space for individuals at risk or suffering from depression, as well as caregivers.