Virtual reality exposure therapy for Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

被引:285
作者
Rothbaum, BO
Hodges, LF
Ready, D
Graap, K
Alarcon, RD
机构
[1] Emory Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
[2] Georgia Inst Technol, Coll Comp, Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
[3] Atlanta VAMC, Dept Psychiat, Atlanta, GA USA
[4] Emory Univ, Dept Psychol, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
[5] Virtually Better Inc, Atlanta, GA USA
关键词
D O I
10.4088/JCP.v62n0808
中图分类号
B849 [应用心理学];
学科分类号
040203 ;
摘要
Background: 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). Method: This report presents the results of an open clinical trial using VRE to treat Vietnam combat veterans who have DSM-IV PTSD. In 8 to 16 sessions. 10 male patients were exposed to 2 virtual environments: a virtual Huey helicopter flying over a virtual Vietnam and a clearing surrounded by jungle. Results: Clinician-rated PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, the primary outcome measure, at 6-month follow-up indicated an overall statistically significant reduction from baseline (p=.0021) in symptoms associated with specific reported traumatic experiences. All 8 participants interviewed at the 6-month follow-up reported reductions in PTSD symptoms ranging from 15% to 67%. Significant decreases were seen in all 3 symptom clusters (p < .02). Patient self-reported intrusion symptoms as measured by the Impact of Event Scale were significantly lower (p < .05) at 3 months than at baseline but not at 6 months. although there was a clear trend toward fewer intrusive thoughts and somewhat less avoidance. Conclusion: Virtual reality exposure therapy holds promise for treating PTSD in Vietnam veterans.
引用
收藏
页码:617 / 622
页数:8
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