Virtual Reality - A Powerful Tool for Psychological Well-being

1. Virtual Reality Virtual Reality - - A Powerful Tool for Psychological Well A Powerful Tool for Psychological Well- -being being Recognizing the significance of virtual reality (VR), big names like Google, Apple, Samsung and Facebook have been betting big on it, investing a lot on research and development (R&D). The scope of application of VR goes well beyond just gaming, contributing to sectors like real estate, travel, entertainment, education and sociological research, etc. However, it also has the potential to enhance understanding and advance treatment in health care. Although VR technology in health care is in its nascent stage, its application has a multitude of utilities, such as: Scope to watch operations and procedures from a surgeon’s point of view from any part of the world. Creating interactive computer-generated worlds that effectively substitute the real- world environment with a digitally generated environment. Reduction in inconsistency in terms of treatment delivery through the implementation of precise treatment measures. Helping children in hospitals in feeling more at home. Speeding up recovery following a stroke. VR therapy is the name of the game According to a meta-analysis, done by a team led by Daniel Freeman, professor of clinical psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, U.K., the analysis of previous studies that entail VR and mental health issues reckoned that VR technology is ready for clinical and home trials. However, it also pointed out that it does not yet capture the entire spectrum of treatment for mental disorders. Since the patients suffering from mental health issues often face problem in interacting with the real world, the integration of VR into treatment assists in enhancing the skills necessary for overcoming this challenge. Out of the 1,096 studies in the meta-analysis, 285 studies were singled out, of which: 86 studies were on the assessment of mental disorders with VR. 45 studies were on the theoretical application of VR. 154 studies were on treatment. www.sovcal.com

2. Among these studies, 192 were on anxiety, 44 on schizophrenia, 22 on substance-related disorders, and 18 on eating disorders. Here’s what the researchers had concluded about the following mental health conditions and the application of VR in addressing these disorders: Anxiety: In the case of anxiety, patients witnessed favorable outcomes in face-to-face interactions and saw a reduction in the dropout rates due to the VR treatment. Its application ranges from the use of large projection screens, computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN) system, cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE), flight simulators and head-mounted displays (HMDs). Psychosis: VR has been particularly successful in assessing and understanding the precursors of paranoia and can safely assess psychotic experiences among the patients challenged by schizophrenia and related mental disorders. In addition, studies on VR treatment suggest that it efficaciously reduces delusions and distress in the real-world situations. Substance use disorders (SUD): VR simulations have been able to create triggers that increase the risk of developing drug-seeking behaviors, such as smoking, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and excessive gambling. Similarly, some studies also advocate its potential in reducing cravings, especially smoking. Eating disorders: The inclusion of VR in the treatment of eating disorders has been able to strengthen emotion regulation skills. It has also been able to reduce and induce food cravings. Some studies also suggest that VR techniques when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) cause a range of improvements in physical and mental health. The authors of the study agree that a lot more research is still required before VR application can be implemented in the clinical scenarios. In addition, they also endorse the need to create scientific content-based materials to assist the roll out of VR in the mental health care settings. Help is at hand Anybody can develop mental disorders, irrespective of age, sex, ethnicity, social status and personal beliefs. Although risk factors, such as environment, genetics and trauma, play a key role in triggering mental disorders, it is no way conclusive that any of these factors alone causes the onset of such conditions. The scope of VR in mental health treatment is promising; however, it is far from being universally applied. Until then, it is wise to seek the available treatment for any problem at the earliest. If you or your loved one is struggling with any mental disorder, get in touch with Sovereign Health of California to access the latest and innovative treatment programs at our state-of- the-art mental health treatment centers across the U.S. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number (866) 819-0427 to know more about the comprehensive plans for treatment for mental disorders. www.sovcal.com