The use of virtual reality technology for simulating environments that are interactive and immersive is an idea that has been prevalent since the 1980s. The idea of using VR tech for psychological applications and healthcare is new, albeit showing great promise. At-home therapeutic Virtual Reality is now possible thanks to the rise in VR techs like VR software applications and immersive goggles. With the global health crisis rising at an alarming rate, VR technology is speculated to create a positive shift in modern healthcare with a myriad of applications for millions of people.
Van Nuys is embracing the new digital shift in healthcare, and virtual reality centres like the LA Dragon Studios are popping up throughout the neighbourhood. With the rise in the number of VR media consumers, Virtual Reality is soon estimated to be a major part of software technology in California.
What Ailments Can Virtual Reality Be Used To Treat?
At-home therapeutic Virtual Reality treatments are used to treat phobias, traumas, depression, anxiety, and in more common cases, PTSD.
- Phobias: VR Therapy can be an excellent way for people to conquer their fears and phobias. People with phobias do everything in their power to avoid the situation or the object they fear, even though the fear is irrational. Although there are hundreds of people who fear a lot of things and situations, it’s when the fear interferes with normal daily activities that it becomes a problem. With the use of VR tech, people can face their fears in the safety of their homes since the immersive experience of VR tech can imitate the real-world experience with a high degree of accuracy.
- Depression And Anxiety: Virtual Reality can soon replace pharmaceutical prescription pills and medications for patients with depression and anxiety. Using VR tech, patients can immerse themselves in a positive environment that will generate happy thoughts. Psychologists can also use VR tech to walk their patients through various mental visualisation exercises remotely. The same treatment is also used to treat patients with anxiety and gives them a chance to face the cause of their anxiety and stress head-on. Since the experience is immersive, the brain picks up on these signals to mimic real-world situations. However, if the feelings are intense, patients can switch off the experience and rest until they are strong enough to pick up where they left off.
- PTSD: Virtual Reality exposure therapy is a new method used to treat PTSD in soldiers, firefighters, first responders and police officers. People with PTSD often avoid the situations and trauma-inducing situations to extreme levels and will shut down thoughts and emotions to achieve the same. Using VR tech, the patient is guided into an immersive environment where they are led to confront the triggers or situations in a guided manner. In that way, they will learn that these triggers or situations aren’t as dangerous as they make them out to be. The same is the case for abuse or rape survivors too. As for soldiers, they are placed in a combat situation, and with continued therapy, soldiers can expect their PTSD symptoms to reduce.
Engineers and therapists are working on VR technology that can enable patients to meet with their therapists and medical consultants online through an avatar or immersive video experience. Although the technology hasn’t been implemented on a wide scale yet, research is showing tons of promise. Soon, people can go for an appointment in the virtual world from the comfort of their houses.
