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Virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD Vietnam veterans: A case study
Author(s) -
Rothbaum Barbara Olasov,
Hodges Larry,
Alarcon Renato,
Ready David,
Shahar Fran,
Graap Ken,
Pair Jarrel,
Hebert Philip,
Gotz Dave,
Wills Brian,
Baltzell David
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1023/a:1024772308758
Subject(s) - virtual reality exposure therapy , exposure therapy , virtual reality , virtual machine , posttraumatic stress , psychology , anxiety , medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , computer science , human–computer interaction , operating system
Virtual reality (VR) integrates real‐time computer graphics, body tracking devices, visual displays, and other sensory input devices to immerse a participant in a computer‐generated virtual environment that changes in a natural way with head and body motion. VR exposure (VRE) is proposed as an alternative to typical imaginal exposure treatment for Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This report presents the results of the first Vietnam combat veteran with PTSD to have been treated with VRE. The patient was exposed to two virtual environments, a virtual Huey helicopter flying over a virtual Vietnam and a clearing surrounded by jungle. The patient experienced a 34% decrease on clinician‐rated PTSD and a 45% decrease on self‐rated PTSD. Treatment gains were maintained at 6‐month follow‐up.