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Therapists use Virtual Reality for Veterans

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the games-that-heal dept.

ahoehn writes "NPR is reporting that researchers from the University of Southern California along with the Office of Naval Research are simulating combat situations which cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for theraputic purposes. Their immersive virtual reality technique seems to consist of the game Full Spectrum Warrior, headphones, and a set of VR goggles. From the article: 'The object is to help veterans come to terms with what they've experienced in places like Iraq and Afghanistan by immersing vets in the sights and sounds of those theaters of battle.' One can only assume that soon someone be reforming carjackers by letting them play the GTA."

4 of 198 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Isn't this a little backwards? by ScentCone · · Score: 2, Informative

    Here's something like what you're talking about:

    http://www.forterrainc.com/

    --
    Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
  2. Re:Over their, by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 1, Informative

    Their: Belonging to them.
    There: A place, not here.
    They're: A contraction, meaning "They Are".

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
  3. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 4, Informative

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  4. Re:That Dirty Open Secret by timeOday · · Score: 2, Informative
    Frontline recently aired an excellent program on PTSD, and what's more you can watch it online for free. (Yes I love public television).

    What you are saying is not really a secret:

    PTSD is a recognition that if you've been in the wrong place at the wrong time or have been in a place where you've had to commit acts such as shooting other combatants or civilians or driven a car that you weren't in control of and killed people or things of that sort, that these events can change the way you feel about yourself and feel about the world.
    However, the above link goes on to contradict the assertion that PTSD affects only killers, nor is it limited to soldiers. Have a look, it's interesting stuff.