Case Report: Oral semaglutide-associated depression in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a dose-dependent recurrence confirmed on rechallenge and managed with vortioxetine-bupropion combination

The metaverse is a concept that encompasses realities beyond our physical confines, representing a world where our life′s information and experiences manifest through virtual and digital spaces. Its creation has garnered significant attention due to the rapid growth of the digital economy, with the metaverse typically regarded as a shared space that integrates a persistent virtual environment with augmented physical reality [, ]. This immersive platform, accessible via augmented or virtual reality (VR), enables users—represented by avatars—to communicate, collaborate, socialize, and interact with digital objects and media. Recently, the metaverse has been attracting interest across various fields and industries, including various medical sciences and clinical practices [, ]. In recent years, innovative technologies have transformed various fields of medicine and enhanced research and healthcare delivery while improving the quality of patient care. Among these advancements are the application of artificial intelligence in diverse diagnostic areas, the utilization of telemedicine for continuous patient monitoring and timely interventions, and the integration of wearable devices and sensors for tracking vital signs []. Additionally, the emergence of VR and its incorporation into medical care have revolutionized the patient experience, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice [, ]. As traditional healthcare methods evolve, these technological advancements complement and strengthen clinical skills, enhance patient engagement, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately driving the shift towards personalized medicine and facilitating clinical decision‐making []. Among the emerging technologies, the metaverse stands out as a domain poised for significant transformation in healthcare following the advancement of VR and AR technology. A 2022 review paper indicates that metaverse technologies, including VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), demonstrated efficacy in mental health diagnosis and treatment, offering solutions to address both the scarcity of mental health professionals and limited healthcare accessibility []. Although various studies have explored the application of the metaverse in diverse medical disciplines such as surgery and medical education [, ], the specifics of how this technology can be effectively implemented, the extent of its success, and the areas that have yet to embrace the metaverse remain largely unknown to many professionals in the field. This lack of clarity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for ongoing research and development as the medical community seeks to harness the full potential of the metaverse for improving healthcare delivery.