15 years of virtual reality for training and therapy: a brief review with an emphasis on PTSD and SIT

Groups from around the world have proven the value of adding advanced technologies as an adjunct to traditional cognitive-behavioral protocols in treating a multitude of disorders. Originally most virtual reality applications were developed on silicon graphics work stations and cost millions of dollars. As the power of technology has increased and costs have decreased, groups have continued to push the envelope and look at how various simulations may be ported to a variety of platforms, including mobile phones. The push to mobile platforms will allow these technologies to become more widespread and accessible, easier to disseminate to the population at large. In addition, groups have continued to expand the list of disorders that may be treated with these technologies. Also, many groups are now adding objective physiological measures to quantify results. This should help with acceptance of mental health treatments by more traditional medical disciplines. A brief overview of the history of VR in therapy and training will be given, and then a more in-depth look at Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Stress Inoculation Training supplemented with VR and advanced technologies will be presented