Virtual Reality as a Treatment Option
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Cons
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What is Virtual Reality and How is it Used?
Virtual reality was once a thing of science fiction, but today, it can be used for more than gaming enhancement. Some uses for virtual reality in the medical field include treating PTSD in returning veterans and improving other ailments like anxiety and pain. The equipment necessary for such a treatment requires a user interface and a clinician interface. The user interface needs some sort of screen or monitor and a controller so the user can control the simulation. The clinician interface includes a monitor with a different set of controls. The clinician controls allow the clinician to manipulate the simulation to fit the necessary scenario.
Benefits
Virtual reality has recently shown promising results for treating PTSD in returning veterans and other ailments in patients. One study tested 20 active duty servicemen by giving them about ten sessions of treatment using virtual reality. The results showed a complete resolution of the PTSD symptoms in 16 of the 20 participants. Another study tested subjects using an MRI to see how the patients were affected neurologically by virtual reality. They were given an MRI and a pain test without the virtual reality, then again with virtual reality. The results were very helpful. The MRIs showed an impressive improvement in the patients neurological reactions to the pain test with the virtual reality. A similar test was done with patients suffering from anxiety, and the results were just as promising.
Drawbacks
Although virtual reality has shown very promising results, there is still room for improvement. One issue with the treatment option is that the equipment is too complicated for some clinicians. The clinicians find it very difficult to change the software of the system with just a background in medicine. If the equipment was more user friendly, more hospitals and clinics would be able to operate the system without as much training. Another issue with this treatment is the cost/benefit ratio. As of right now, there is no ratio available, which turns away potential users and buyers. Most hospitals and clinics will not pay for a system that is too expensive no matter how promising the results are. Virtual reality has come a long way and shown plenty of promise, but there are still many things that need improvement before a treatment like this can become widespread.
Virtual reality was once a thing of science fiction, but today, it can be used for more than gaming enhancement. Some uses for virtual reality in the medical field include treating PTSD in returning veterans and improving other ailments like anxiety and pain. The equipment necessary for such a treatment requires a user interface and a clinician interface. The user interface needs some sort of screen or monitor and a controller so the user can control the simulation. The clinician interface includes a monitor with a different set of controls. The clinician controls allow the clinician to manipulate the simulation to fit the necessary scenario.
Benefits
Virtual reality has recently shown promising results for treating PTSD in returning veterans and other ailments in patients. One study tested 20 active duty servicemen by giving them about ten sessions of treatment using virtual reality. The results showed a complete resolution of the PTSD symptoms in 16 of the 20 participants. Another study tested subjects using an MRI to see how the patients were affected neurologically by virtual reality. They were given an MRI and a pain test without the virtual reality, then again with virtual reality. The results were very helpful. The MRIs showed an impressive improvement in the patients neurological reactions to the pain test with the virtual reality. A similar test was done with patients suffering from anxiety, and the results were just as promising.
Drawbacks
Although virtual reality has shown very promising results, there is still room for improvement. One issue with the treatment option is that the equipment is too complicated for some clinicians. The clinicians find it very difficult to change the software of the system with just a background in medicine. If the equipment was more user friendly, more hospitals and clinics would be able to operate the system without as much training. Another issue with this treatment is the cost/benefit ratio. As of right now, there is no ratio available, which turns away potential users and buyers. Most hospitals and clinics will not pay for a system that is too expensive no matter how promising the results are. Virtual reality has come a long way and shown plenty of promise, but there are still many things that need improvement before a treatment like this can become widespread.
Virtual Reality: A Real Life ScenarioThis brief video tells the true story of a United States Marine, Josh, who suffered from PTSD and used virtual reality to treat it. Josh comments on why he chose this method of treatment and how it works. His clinician also gives her side of story, describing how he changed once he began treatment. The results show that virtual reality is a promising method for treating PTSD.
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More Information
USciences
WR-102-22
Annmarie Cristiano
WR-102-22
Annmarie Cristiano