Diemer J, Kothgassner OD, Herrmann MJ, Zwanzger P. [VR-supported therapy for anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder: current possibilities and limitations].
DER NERVENARZT 2024;
95:223-229. [PMID:
38051348 DOI:
10.1007/s00115-023-01570-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in psychotherapy, and the speed of development of therapeutic VR tools is continuously increasing.
OBJECTIVE
This narrative review provides an overview of the state of the art regarding VR applications for psychotherapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The current state of VR therapy research for anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is summarized. The focus lies on VR exposure therapy. Current developments in the field are outlined.
RESULTS
For anxiety disorders, especially phobic disorders, there are already positive recommendations in the current German S3 guidelines. For PTSD, the development of VR therapy tools is still in a relatively early stage.
CONCLUSION
The development of mobile cost-effective VR solutions in recent years has enabled entirely new applications for VR. The empirical challenges of these new developments are considerable. Nevertheless, the chances for an improvement of psychotherapeutic routine care are good.
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