In one of my first columns here, I talked about the use of virtual reality to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. High-tech visual and audio equipment is used to simulate the combat environment, helping service members reduce the anxiety and distress associated with the most troubling aspects of their combat experience.
At a recent convention on using technology to treat physical and psychiatric disorders, I was reminded of how interesting these technologies are.
Consider someone who is dealing with a phobia — fear of snakes, heights, flying, whatever. In the past, psychologists were often forced to take the patient to the zoo, the top of a building or on an airplane to help the person overcome fear. As you might imagine, this was expensive and logistically challenging.
However, by using virtual reality, psychologists can simulate the stressful situations — with nothing more than a headset and a comfortable chair.
By Bret A. Moore
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