Prototypes

Virtual Reality Therapy for the Assessment and Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress

2005-present
Project Leader: Albert "Skip" Rizzo

In response to a large and growing need to address post traumatic stress (PTS) in Soldiers and veterans, ICT leveraged its technologies and expertise to provide a novel virtual therapy treatment option. Rather than relying exclusively on imagining a particular scenario, a patient can experience it again in a virtual world under very safe and controlled conditions. In addition, the current generation of young military personnel, who grew up with digital gaming technology, may actually be more attracted to and comfortable with participation in a VR treatment approach as an alternative to traditional “talk therapy.”

The Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan project is aimed at providing relief from PTS. Exposure therapy, in which a patient — guided by a trained therapist — confronts their trauma memories through a retelling of the experience, is endorsed an “evidence-based” treatment for PTS.

ICT researchers added to this therapy by leveraging virtual art assets that were originally built for Full Spectrum Warrior. The current applications consist of a series of virtual scenarios specifically designed to represent relevant contexts for VR exposure therapy, including Middle-Eastern themed city and desert road environments. In addition to the visual stimuli presented in the VR head mounted display, directional 3D audio, vibrations and smells can be delivered into the simulation.

Facts and Figures

Currently in use at over 55 sites, including VA hospitals, military bases and university centers, ICT’s Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan exposure therapy approach has been shown to produce a meaningful reduction in PTS symptoms.
Organizations using the system to treat wounded warriors and/or train clinicians include the USC School of Social Work, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the San Diego Naval Medical Center and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Future
ICT researchers are also adapting the system as a tool for stress resilience training and PTS assessment. Future work will also involve advanced brain imaging and psychophysiological assessment.

External Collaborators