18 Sept 2025
SLaM partnered with SyncVR Medical to develop the world’s first AI based virtual reality therapy for eating disorders. This patient centred project combines immersive technology with clinical expertise to enhance treatment and improve data collection through the Electronic Health Records system.
Background:Eating Disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are serious mental health conditions that can severely affect a person’s quality of life. In the UK, there are currently an estimated 1.25 million people living with an Eating Disorder (ED). Since 2017, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) has been pioneering a novel, transdiagnostic service designed for emerging adults with recent onset of eating disorders.
Innovation through Collaboration:In partnership with SyncVR Medical, a market leader in extended reality (XR) for healthcare, SLaM co-developed the world’s first artificial intelligence-based virtual reality (VR) application for the treatment of eating disorders. This cutting-edge project combines immersive VR environments with AI-driven insights to deliver data-driven, patient-centred therapy that enhances engagement and supports recovery.
The innovation was co-designed through iterative engagement with patients and clinical experts at SLaM, ensuring it was both clinically relevant and user-friendly. Working closely with the SLaM Digital Lab, the tool’s analytics were integrated into the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, streamlining data collection on patient usage, outcomes, and progress.
This collaborative approach showcases how technology, clinical expertise, and patient experience can converge to revolutionise mental health care delivery.
