Jul 10, 2008

Virtual reality exposure therapy for active duty soldiers

Virtual reality exposure therapy for active duty soldiers.

J Clin Psychol. 2008 Jul 8;

Authors: Reger GM, Gahm GA

Virtual reality exposure (VRE) therapy is a promising treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders and has recently been extended to the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this article, the authors briefly review the rationale for VRE and its key processes. They illustrate the treatment with an active-duty Army soldier diagnosed with combat-related PTSD. Six sessions of VRE were provided using an immersive simulation of a military convoy in Iraq. Self-reported PTSD symptoms and psychological distress were reduced at posttreatment relative to pretreatment reports, as assessed by the PTSD Checklist-Military Version and the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale-24. The case outcomes parallel those reported in the research with other disorders and suggest the applicability of VRE in treating active duty soldiers with combat-related PTSD. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1-7, 2008.

Comments

Virtual reality exposure (VRE) appears to take the flooding treatment for PTSD one step further. I have used flooding to treat combat-related PTSD and other traumatic sequelae since 1992 and find it very effective, if the patient is willing to tolerate the treatment.

Posted by: Marshall Colt, Ph.D. | Jul 14, 2008

Virtual reality exposure (VRE) appears to take the flooding treatment for PTSD one step further. I have used flooding to treat combat-related PTSD and other traumatic sequelae since 1992 and find it very effective, if the patient is willing to tolerate the treatment.

Posted by: Marshall Colt, Ph.D. | Jul 14, 2008

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