The Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is the result of exposer to any traumatic incident in past. If The person suffering from such a medical condition may feel flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety along with turbulent thoughts about that particular event.
Most of the people, who witness such incidents, temporarily face difficulty adjusting to the daily routine, professional work and self-care. But in many cases, where symptoms are worse, may take several months, even year to heal.
As per the studies:
1. 70 percentage of adults may encounter at the minimum one traumatic incident in their lifetime
2. 20 percentage of people who come up against a traumatic episode will develop PTSD
3. About 8 million people develop PTSD every year.
4. 1 out of every 11 people may develop PTSD at some point in their life
Events that can cause PTSD
1.Childhood abuse
2. Sexual violence
3. Domestic violence
4.Combat exposure
5. Natural calamity
6. An accident
Virtual reality in PTSD treatment
The global mental health size was evaluated at USD 383.31 million in 2020 and can appraise to USD 537.97 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2030.
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a kind of exposure therapy that treats rehabilitation in mental health. With the help of a head-mounted display and a pair of goggles, the patient is exposed to situations that provoke anxiety and fear. The therapy is conducted in a controlled and safe environment.
As per NewYork Times Article dated June 3, 2021, Dr Difede tested VR exposer therapy on Iran war veterans. Pleasantly, 16 out of 20 patients no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after completing treatment. After six hour-long sessions, the patient experienced a 90% decrease in PTSD symptoms.
Although, during these proceedings, the therapist make sure that patient will not confront a similar situation. For example, a war soldier cannot face a combat situation again. It is unsafe for them.
Benefits of VR in PTSD Treatment
PTSD patient usually avoids the situation that provokes anxiety and paranoia. Avoidance can make PTSD symptoms worsen and stick around for a longer period. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) helps them to face their fear and overcome it.
1. These VR therapies are tailor-made treatment plans based on the unique needs of their patients.
2. This is more effective and less harmful than any oral medications that are used to reduce trauma-related anxiety.
3. VR allowing patients complete control over their exposure to their triggers.
4. A well designed VR stress treatment can also be cost-effective compared to the conventional treatment method.
5. VRET is more engaging, therefore results are more effective.
6. Where conventional methods require clinic visits, with VRET patients can continue their treatment at home under therapist guidance.
7. It also helps to analyze and better understand the needs of people with disabilities in public places and at home, for example, a war or accident survivor with a disability.
Conclusion
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs- Going through trauma is common nowadays. About 60% of men and 50% of women are exposed to at least one trauma in their entire lives. Women are more prone to face sexual assault or violence. Men are more prone to accidents, physical assault, war, natural calamity, or to witness death or injury.
Cognihab is working parallel with clinics, hospitals, experts and different vr solutions for healthcare providers to create affordable VR solutions. Cognihab, work on Vision therapy suit, rehabilitation suite for autism or cerebral palsy, anxiety reduction suit, and many more to simplify the treatment and healthcare experience.
