Virtual Reality as a Tool in Early Interventions

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most debilitating psychological disorders affecting United States soldiers and veterans who have been exposed to combat. Treatments for PTSD include psychological debriefing, which has been criticized lately for its questionable efficacy, and imaginal exposure therapy, which is problematic in that some PTSD sufferers are unable to engage well enough to elicit the necessary response. The weaknesses inherent in these treatments have created a pressing need for alternatives. One promising option is to utilize virtual reality graded exposure therapy (VRGET). The Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) is currently conducting research, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), studying virtual reality therapy as an early intervention tool for PTSD. Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new technology with healthcare applications being developed for surgical procedures, medical therapy, preventative medicine, rehabilitation, and medical education and training. VR has also been shown to be highly effective as a psychotherapeutic tool. It is often used to distract patients during painful medical procedures, or to provide graded exposure during treatment for anxiety disorders, suc