Virtual reality therapy

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Virtual Reality Therapy (pronounced: vir·​tu·​al re·​al·​i·​ty ther·​a·​py) is a form of psychotherapy that uses virtual reality technology to treat a variety of psychological disorders. The term is derived from the Latin virtus meaning "virtue" and the Greek therapeia meaning "healing".

Definition

Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT), also known as Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), is a method of psychotherapy that utilizes virtual reality technology to expose patients to simulations of real-life situations that may be causing psychological distress.

History

The concept of Virtual Reality Therapy was first introduced in the 1990s, with the advent of more sophisticated and accessible virtual reality technology. The first applications of VRT were used to treat phobias, such as fear of heights or fear of flying.

Applications

Virtual Reality Therapy has been used to treat a variety of psychological disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, phobias, and pain management. It has also been used in rehabilitation settings, such as stroke recovery or physical therapy.

Procedure

In a typical Virtual Reality Therapy session, the patient wears a virtual reality headset that displays a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment. The therapist can control the environment and introduce different stimuli, depending on the patient's treatment needs. The patient's physiological responses can be monitored and recorded, providing valuable feedback for the therapist.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown that Virtual Reality Therapy can be an effective treatment for certain psychological disorders. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this treatment method and its potential side effects.

See Also

External links

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