2023-04-16 10:52:03
At least 16 NHS services in the UK have already adopted virtual reality (VR) software to help patients deal with their mental health issues. Patients use this technology to recreate past experiences that have disturbed them and to explore their emotions and feelings using virtual avatars. Patients can create avatars that look like versions of themselves, or familiar people or characters, to explore virtual scenarios and express feelings safely. Avatars can be used to depict situations or people that have caused trauma or mental health issuesallowing patients to better understand and process their emotions.
VR has already been successfully used to treat specific phobias, such as fear of flying or spiders. By digitally reproducing these situations in a safe environment, VR technology tricks the brain into activating phobia symptoms in a controlled environmentwhich allows patients to better understand and process their fear.
Dr David Rigby, co-chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Digital Psychiatry Special Interest Group, said VR technology was experiencing an “explosion” in the field of mental health, as it becomes more and more accessible and less expensive. Additionally, VR offers a way to explore mental health issues that are not easily addressed in a traditional clinical setting. Patients can use this technology to explore complex feelings or traumatic experiences without feeling judged or uncomfortable (source 1).
An app that needs to be monitored
However, some mental health experts have expressed their concern regarding the use of VR technology to treat mental health issues. They fear that technology is only a temporary solution that does not address the root cause of the problem. They also emphasize that VR should not be used as substitute for traditional therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy. In conclusion, the use of VR technology to treat mental health issues is a promising new approach that may offer patients a new way to safely explore and express their feelings. However, this technology should not not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution and should be used in addition to traditional therapies.
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