When you think of AR, VR and other immersive technologies, you probably picture gamers battling aliens or people exploring virtual worlds. But these cutting-edge tools are also showing incredible promise for treating some of the most challenging mental health issues we face. By allowing people to experience computer-generated environments as if they were real, VR and other XR technologies can help retrain the brain and provide exposure therapy in a safe, controlled setting. And early research suggests these approaches could be game-changers for conditions like PTSD, phobias, anxiety disorders and more.
Battling PTSD in a Virtual World
One of the most promising applications of VR is in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure therapy, where patients are gradually exposed to triggers related to their trauma, is one of the most effective treatments. But imagining a scenario is difficult, and revisiting the real-life setting can be extremely distressing. VR allows clinicians to create realistic virtual environments that can simulate a warzone, accident scene, or other traumatic event in a controlled way. A 2018 study found that active-duty military personnel with PTSD experienced a 40% reduction in symptoms after just seven VR sessions.
Facing (Virtual) Fears to Overcome Phobias and Anxiety
VR is also proving to be an invaluable tool for exposure therapy for phobias and anxiety disorders. By immersing people in simulations of their specific fears and anxieties—whether it’s heights, flying, public speaking or something else—therapists can help them learn to manage their responses. For example, a 2017 case study described using VR to treat a young boy with an extreme fear of insects. After undergoing VR exposure therapy where he interacted with virtual spiders and bees, his phobia symptoms decreased dramatically.
The Advantages of Virtual Therapy
Beyond just exposure, XR technologies offer some unique benefits for mental health treatment:
They provide a sense of presence and immersion that can enhance therapeutic experiences.
Virtual environments can be customized and controlled in ways the real world can’t.
They remove some of the stigma of going to a therapist’s office.
They make treatment more accessible for those with mobility issues or in remote areas.
And the potential applications go far beyond what we’ve covered here, with researchers exploring how these tools could aid in treating addictions, eating disorders, and more.
The (Virtual) Future of Mental Healthcare
While still an emerging field, the evidence is mounting that VR, AR and other XR technologies have the power to transform mental health treatment. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google and others are investing heavily in these tools for therapeutic uses. A 2021 survey found that 65% of psychologists were interested in incorporating VR into their practices. And a growing number of startups and companies like Oxford VR and Limbix are developing VR programs and platforms specifically for mental health. As the technology continues advancing and becoming more affordable and accessible, we’ll likely see immersive therapies become an increasingly common part of mental healthcare. For those struggling with PTSD, phobias, anxiety and other conditions, these virtual worlds could be keys to real healing.