Editorial: Current use of virtual reality and e-therapy for the treatment of trauma and stress-related disorders

Abstract

Recently, the use of virtual reality and technological innovations based on e-therapy have had a great impact on trauma and stress-related disorders, such as PTSD, allowing evidencebased interventions for these mental disorders. Given the technological advancements and the scope that these systems have shown in recent years, it is important to have updated treatment protocols based on new proven and effective technologies. Furthermore, given the high demand for mental health services due to COVID-19, it is especially important to have specialized treatments for trauma and stress-related disorders in the current context. The main objective of this issue is to present the latest advances in the incorporation of virtual reality in treatment protocols and e-therapy based intervention for trauma and stress-related disorders, as well as to identify the current state of prevalence and treatment programs based on new technologies for specialized care for trauma and stress-related disorders derived from COVID-19. Several studies have been conducted for many years on the use of technology to treat trauma and stress-related disorders, specifically utilizing virtual reality for prolonged exposure therapy. This approach has proven to be highly effective (Rothbaum et al., 2010; Kothgassner et al., 2019). Despite the evidence supporting technology-supported programs in trauma and stress-related disorders, some authors suggest that there are still limitations in terms of the dissemination and implementation of these programs for certain populations. In recent years, some alternatives have been proposed, such as combining technologies, for example, using VR-based therapy through online programs. This approach could be more accessible and acceptable, as users could benefit from these programs fromhome, considering that VR-based programs are typically carried out in the office (Wiederhold & Riva, 2019; Linder, 2021). Although the use of VR through online programs has gained relevance, more research is needed as it has only been studied in some disorders, and it seems that trauma-related disorders could benefit from these type of programs. One of the articles presented in this Research Topic, discusses e-therapy and virtual reality exposure therapy, Freedman et al. describes the development and evaluation of an internet based Virtual Reality early treatment aimed at preventing chronic PTSD. The study uses a five-session treatment protocol, presenting all content in multiple formats, including therapist verbal OPEN ACCESS