Virtual reality, which was once a thing of the future, is a phenomenon becoming more and more integrated into the current landscape of technology. However, it’s not all fun and video games. There are a multitude of uses for virtual reality that are helping make major advancements to all areas of society, including helping our veterans combat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
About PTSD
The Mayo Clinic defines PTSD as a “mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event [prompting symptoms such as] flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.” Symptoms of this disorder can vary largely and may not even emerge until after years following the event.
Not only can PTSD cause uncomfortable symptoms, but it can also cause considerable problems to one’s relationships and impact their ability to operate normally day-to-day.
Many veterans suffer from this issue as a result of their experience in the military and the disturbing events that have been engrained in their memories. In fact, it’s estimated that 17 U.S military veterans commit suicide on average daily. Trauma of that caliber can require some unconventional methods of healing.
Virtual Reality
If you’re unfamiliar with virtual reality (VR), it is essentially the use of computer modeling and simulations that allow a person to interact with an immersive artificial three-dimensional environment as defined by Henry E. Lowood.
VR users are submerged into the artificial environment through the use of devices like goggles, headsets, gloves, etc.
Apart from the recreational use of virtual reality for an immersive video game experience, there are several key industries taking advantage of this technology. VR is being used in the healthcare field to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness and diseases. It’s also been a key player in the automotive industry as a means to help car manufacturers analyze and experiment with road scenarios, new designs, and automobile behavior.
Virtual Reality for Veterans
For veterans suffering with PTSD, virtual reality offers a form of therapy that has helped to alleviate symptoms for many. Being that VR is a holistically engaging experience, it allows users to take part in a more personalized form of treatment, especially for those avoiding traditional talk therapy.
The healthcare professional is able to customize the VR environment for each patient to perform a type of exposure therapy that involves revisiting the traumatic settings through the artificial reality in a safe and controlled way. The therapist is able to simultaneously alter the VR experience as the patient iterates the events that they can recall unfolding.
This type of exposure therapy ultimately allows the patient to take control of what once felt like a very uncontrollable situation. Coming face-to-face with the memories that many of these people have been avoiding reduces the brain’s reaction to it. As a result of the mitigation of the brain’s reaction, the patient is able to control the memories and how they affect their lives.
