Bravemind, ICT’s virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy system, is aimed at providing relief from post-traumatic stress (PTS). Currently distributed to over 50 sites, including VA hospitals, military bases and university centers, the Bravemind system has been shown to produce a meaningful reduction in PTS symptoms. Additional randomized controlled studies are ongoing. The Stress Resilience In Virtual Environments (STRIVE) project aims to create a set of combat simulations (derived from our existing Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan exposure therapy system) that are part of a multi-episode narrative experience. Users can be immersed within challenging combat contexts and interact with virtual characters within these episodes as part of an experiential learning approach for training a range of psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral emotional coping strategies believed to enhance stress resilience. The STRIVE project aims to present this approach to service members prior to deployment as part of a program designed to better prepare military personnel for the types of emotional challenges that are inherent in the combat environment.
Virtual Reality Distracting Many From Physical Pain
Firsthand and scientists at the University of Washington, Dr. Hunter Hoffman and Dr. David Patterson, have developed games like SnowWorld to reduce the pain of wound care and other hospital procedures. Clinical trials show dramatic reductions in pain, plus patients report feeling less anxious when they have VR to help them through the painful procedure.
Virtual Reality Treating Phobias
To overcome these issues, psychologists and therapists are starting to turn to virtual reality exposure therapy. Instead of boarding a real plane, a person can simply put on a headset and a pair of headphones that, together, simulate the experience.