Using virtual reality to treat PTSD in veterans has been used for years in conjunction with traditional medicine. Helping PTSD sufferers overcome PTSD in virtual reality through virtual medical technology. After returning from the war, many veterans find themselves suffering from PTSD (pre-traumatic stress disorder) after returning home from military duty.
The pain component of PTSD has long been the focus of a virtual reality medical study conducted in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. This study concluded that the combination of physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness techniques could help a group of soldiers cope with PTSD. PTSD is a debilitating mental disorder that results in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anger, and irritability.
A recent study on the effects of a computerized training program on veterans suffering from PTSD revealed that those participants who completed the training were less likely to relapse after leaving the program. Participants who relapsed suffered more from depression and post-traumatic stress than the other participants. Also, the results showed that these same participants who relapsed also showed signs of increased anxiety and depression. They did not respond differently to the computerized training compared to those participants who completed a hands-on course, which was the study’s focus.
Virtual world applications are also being used in military hospitals and clinics. Many PTSD sufferers have found relief from their symptoms by visiting virtual world environments designed specifically to simulate combat and natural disasters. Veterans who are experiencing trauma may benefit from visiting these environments.
Virtual worlds allow individuals to experience their battles while participating in a military operation. Those who are suffering from this disorder may experience flashbacks or nightmares when returning from combat. During these episodes, they may find themselves reliving their past traumas and may even fear going back into the combat zone.
Many studies on PTSD and the use of virtual world applications show that participants do respond differently to the training programs. Veterans suffering from PTSD, especially those who are veterans of the Gulf War, will respond differently than other soldiers who have never served in combat.
When combat is done, those who have served in a war may feel they are still stuck there. and have difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Many people who have served in war may have issues with PTSD and have difficulty finding a job because they do not fit into the “pack” mentality of a soldier.
Military hospitals and clinics that offer virtual worlds help people who are suffering from PTSD cope with the loss of their loved ones while providing them with a way to cope with their memories of war and the experience of being in battle. These veterans often find that the memories to help them cope with their PTSD. PTSD is often associated with returning from war and feeling stuck in a routine that can be difficult to break.
The military uses these types of virtual world applications for several different reasons. First of all, it allows soldiers to train and compete against one another at their own pace and to improve their skills without having to worry about their fellow soldiers. Second, it allows the soldiers to use their imaginations and learn new skills at their own pace, which makes them more successful in their careers.
Virtual world applications are also used by those who need to deal with post-traumatic stress. It has been shown that those who visit these settings are much less likely to relapses. and that they often feel more confident when going to work.
Because these types of settings are so beneficial to the patients, many organizations are now working towards developing more virtual world programs. For instance, the VA has developed a program that allows veterans to play the role of a therapist in an actual medical setting.
Virtual world applications offer so many benefits for both patients and their loved ones, both physical and mental. Veterans who are having issues with PTSD or any disorder should look into these types of applications if they are struggling with a problem.