Soldiers returning from the war in Iraq with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been big news for the past few years. The military has promised increased services for returning vets, and the VA hospitals are seeing increasing PTSD cases. Interestingly, some psychologists are using virtual reality computer modeling to help treat PTSD for some of the most severe cases.
The psychologists work with computer technicians to create a realistic scenario that the solider may have experienced (even down to the smells!) and then use various counseling techniques to help the person become calm and understand the experience in a new way. The same technology can be used to help treat a wide range of phobias and other stressful situations. I think this is an amazing way to incorporate technological advances into mental health services, and appears to hold a lot of promise.
(3 votes, average: 2 out of 5)
Loading ...You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Comment to
“Virtual Reality & PTSD”
SaveOneSoldier.Org would like to ask that you consider a reciprocal link between your site and ours. We’d appreciate any help the blog community could give us with spreading the word about our efforts. Please contact our Webmaster using the Contact area of the SaveOneSoldier.Org website so we can be sure to link back to your site.
SaveOneSoldier.Org exists to bring attention to the struggles facing American soldiers returning from battle in Iraq and Afghanistan who are suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). In particular our site addresses the story of a young Army Ranger, Tommy Murphy, who currently faces up to 50 years in a military prison for (non-violent) infractions he stands accused of committing on U.S. soil while in the middle of a PTSD-related psychotic episode. Please visit our site to read more about Tommy Murphy and about our military’s current handling of soldiers with PTSD.
Our banner image can be found at http://www.saveonesoldier.org/sosorgbanner.jpg and can be hot linked back to http://www.saveonesoldier.org.
Thanks for your support,
SaveOneSoldier.Org
Join the Conversation! Post a Comment:
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 4 Aug 2007
