Mental health disorders are coming to better light, thanks to efforts that are slowly, but surely removing the negative stigma about different mental conditions that afflict humanity. One of the many developments in the treatment of mental health disorders is the use of virtual reality technologies in various types of therapies. Virtual reality as a tool for introducing therapy for treating mental health issues isn’t entirely a brand-new concept. In fact, it’s been decades since VR is used to administer exposure therapy in a safe and controlled environment. Nowadays, virtual reality therapy is widely used as a mental health treatment platform, thanks to a greater availability of VR devices and more advanced VR technology. Below are some of the most common mental health therapies that benefit from VR technology:
• VR Therapy for PTSD – VR has been widely used in prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD. In fact, the earliest uses for VR devices have been for the treatment of war veterans and soldiers who suffered PTSD in the 90s. This said, military PTSD isn’t the only kind of PTSD condition that can be treated using VR PET. The technology is also widely used for treating those who underwent other types of trauma such as sexual abuse.
• VR Therapy for Phobias and Anxiety – VR is also being used for treating a vast number of phobic and anxiety disorders through self-guided therapies and/or telemedicine.
• VR Therapy for Stress Relief – Stress and anxiety reduction therapies can also be administered with the use of VR technology, including meditative and relaxation therapies designed to remedy generalized anxiety and stress.
• VR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies – Apart from exposure therapy, VR is also useful in administering psychotherapeutic treatments like cognitive behavioral therapies that help patients deal with disturbing and destructive thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors.
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