Current Applications
For an example of current treatment using VRT, there are many videos of actual sessions. There are VRT or Computerised CBT (CCBT)sessions, some immersive and some not, in which the user interacts with computer software (either on a PC, or sometimes via a voice-activated phone service), instead of face to face with a therapist. For people who are embarrassed by their phobias or feeling depressed and withdrawn, the prospect of having to speak to someone about their innermost problems can be unpleasant. In this respect, VIRT/CCBT either in a VR lab or online, is an option. With the huge number of PTSD sufferers and the shortage of available mental health professional, VRIT is expanding. New VR therapy sessions are even being done via the well known VR provider Second Life. It is becoming well known enough to even be a question on Jeopardy.
The use of VRIT continues to expand due to this effectiveness. In February 2006 the UK's National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended that VRIT be made available for use within the NHS across England and Wales, for patients presenting with mild/moderate depression, rather than immediately opting for antidepressant medication. Some areas have developed, or are trialing.
One of the more prominent uses of VRIT is for treatment of PTSD, due to the increasing use of the program Virtual Iraq developed by A.A. "Skip"Rizzo of USC from the video game Full Spectrum Warrior.
These days there are a number of providers offering VERT. Some offer interactive communication with therapists and live feedback has shown to improve the result of online VIRT/CCBT.
At Auckland University in New Zealand, a team led by Dr. Sally Merry have been developing a computerised CBT fantasy 'serious' game to help tackle depression amongst adolescences. The game is currently undergoing testing and the results are thought to be released in 2011. The game has a number of features to help combat depression, where the user takes on a role of a character who travels through a fantasy world, combating 'literal' negative thoughts and learning techniques to manage their depression.
Read more about this topic: Virtual Reality Therapy
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“Natural Man, in our current version, is a disgruntled adolescent.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)