THERAPEUTIC USE OF
Virtual reality
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
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VR is a technology that creates a simulated environment, which can be similar to the real world or completely imaginary or fantastic.
Its use is most often done through a special virtual reality headset or through multi-projector platforms to find yourself in total immersion in the chosen environment.
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VR simulates human senses like sight, hearing, touch and sometimes even smell. But it also makes it possible to develop sensations and facilitate the emergence of certain emotions.
Utilities and benefits
For many years, virtual reality (VR) has shown many advantages in the treatment of several pathologies both at the medical level and in the field of mental health.
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Therapeutic application in which we find its use are multiple. Below are some examples:
1. Treatment of phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : VR is often used in graded exposure therapy. Patients are gradually exposed to their fears or traumas through simulated and controlled situations, in the secure setting of the therapeutic practice or at home accompanied by a health professional.
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2. Treatment of anxiety disorders : VR can help patients practice relaxation, meditation and stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, in calming environments.
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3. Physical rehabilitation: VR can be used to create simulations that help patients regain certain motor skills after stroke or injuries, among other issues.
4. Pain management : Some researches have shown that virtual reality can help reduce the perception of pain by distracting the patient's attention during medical interventions or procedures or even through self-hypnosis.
5. Improvement in social skills : For people with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorders, VR can be used to practice and improve social skills by simulating an interactive environment.
6. Addiction treatment : VR is used to help recovering people deal with their addiction triggers in a safe and controlled environment.
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Click here to find out which other disorders can be treated with the use of VR.
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IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THEVR DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL OR A PSYCHOTHERAPY BUT IT COMES IN COMPLEMENT AS A THERAPEUTIC TOOL.
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ITS EFFECTIVENESS MAY VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON.