Virtual reality: using the virtual world to improve quality of life in the real world

Bull Menninger Clin. 2001 Winter;65(1):78-91. doi: 10.1521/bumc.65.1.78.18713.

Abstract

Mental health professionals are increasingly integrating advances in technology to improve the health of those in their care (American Psychological Association, 2000). The authors describe the immersive properties of virtual reality and its importance for clinical purposes and then review the literature describing current clinical applications of virtual reality (VR) and research documenting its efficacy. Virtual reality has been used in the treatment of specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and pain management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Management
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy
  • User-Computer Interface*