ICT’s Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Featured on TNT’s Rizzoli and Isles

An episode of the TNT Series, “Rizzoli and Isles“, features a dramatic depiction of ICT’s Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan PTSD Exposure Therapy system appearing as part of the storyline of the episode “This Is How a Heart Breaks”. This episode will air on Tuesday, June 19, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).
This portrayal is not representative of actual treatment which typically takes place one on one with a therapist. In a real therapeutic setting, graduated exposure to traumatic memories in VR is carefully measured to a degree that is acceptable to the person undergoing treatment. However, it is hoped that this dramatic depiction of some of the elements of the process will both serve to inform the general public as to the existence of this form of PTSD treatment and perhaps encourage those who are suffering from PTSD to seek the care that could make a real difference in their lives.

It has been documented in the clinical literature that prolonged exposure therapy has the best evidence for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. The use of virtual reality for delivering this treatment aims to provide a safe, controlled and gradual way to help service members and veterans confront and process their difficult experiences using a technology that may appeal to a generation of service members who have grown up “digital”.
Thanks to “Rizzoli and Isles” executive producer and series creator Janet Tamaro for her efforts to work with our team at ICT to present this treatment option embedded within a dramatic storyline as part of a very popular television drama.
For more information on the availability of this form of treatment, click on these links:
http://www.patss.com/cli_res/irq_afg.html?name1=Current+Studies&type1=2Select&name2=Iraq+and+Afghanistan+Wars+-+PTSD+Research+Study&type2=3Active
https://www.facebook.com/PTSDResearch
http://www.psychiatry.emory.edu/PROGRAMS/Trauma/index.htm
http://anxietyclinic.cos.ucf.edu/tmt.html
http://t2health.org/programs-clinical.html
http://medvr.ict.usc.edu/