February 25, 2004
Virtual Reality Treatment Program
A new virtual reality program for anxiety and traumatic stress started at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. The program is described as using the "employment of virtual reality exposure to treat a number of anxiety and stress-related disorders, including fear of flying, fear of storms, fear of heights, fear of bridges, fear of public speaking and World Trade Center-induced posttraumatic stress disorder.
During the VR treatment experience patients wear a virtual reality helmet that positions two goggle-sized miniature computer monitor screens close to the patient's eyes. The scenery in VR changes as the users move their head orientation (e.g. virtual objects in front of the user get closer as the user leans forward in the real world). The combination of these techniques gives patients a uniquely compelling experience of "being there" in the virtual world and contributes greatly to therapeutic success.
Cornell Virtual Reality Treatment Program
Other virtual reality treatment facilities/sites:
Center for Anxiety Research at the University of Buffalo, NY
Duke University, Department of Psychiatry Virtual Reality Program
Emory University Virtual Reality Therapy
University of Washington Medical Center
Virtual Reality Treatment Center
Resources on Virtual Environments
Example of virtual envorinment
Posted by rsk at February 25, 2004 03:39 PM