​ReLIFE VR is a therapy system consisting of software for the patient's VR headset and a computer for the doctor

Effective VR Treatment for Military PTSD​

​ rr

​​Effective VR Treatment for Military PTSD​

​ ​r

​​ReLIFE VR is a therapy system consisting of software for the patient's VR headset and a computer for the doctor

​[ problem ​]

​​WHY IS PTSD A PROBLEM FOR MILITARY AND UKRAINE?

​​Psychological Trauma of War

​​Military personnel returning from combat zones often face serious psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders can have a devastating impact on their lives, health, and ability to adapt to civilian life.

​Social Consequences​

​​Untreated psychological trauma can lead to serious social problems, including unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling addiction, domestic violence, and an increased risk of suicide. This places additional strain on social services and communities.

​​Insufficient Support

​​In Ukraine, there is a shortage of qualified specialists and specialized clinics capable of providing the necessary assistance to military personnel. This complicates the provision of effective therapy and rehabilitation for military personnel with PTSD.

​[ solution ​]

​ReLife VR is in the process of developing an innovative method for treating PTSD in military personnel  using virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET)

​How Does ReLife VR Therapy Work?

​Patient Preparation

​The patient consults with the therapist to identify key triggers and create a personalized therapy plan, and then the patient puts on the VR headset

​Immersion in Virtual Environment

​The software creates a controlled virtual environment where the patient can safely process traumatic memories

​Interactive Sessions

​The doctor manages the process through a computer interface, providing individual tasks and controlling the intensity level to prevent overload

​Discussion and Analysis

​After each session, the doctor and patient discuss the experiences to reinforce positive changes and adjust future sessions

​[  virtual combat environment  ]
​​[ Effectiveness ​]

​proven Effectiveness of the Method

85%

​of patients reported a significant improvement in their quality of life and psychological state after undergoing VR therapy

​​Difede, J., et al. "Virtual Reality and PTSD Treatment." Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2018

30-50%

reduction of PTSD symptoms in a study conducted among veterans who underwent VR therapy after 12 sessions

​​Rizzo, A. S., et al. "Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD." Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2019

25-40%

​VR therapy also contributed to a 25-40% reduction in anxiety and depression levels in military personnel with PTSD

​​Maples-Keller, J., Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 2017

​Media Coverage on VR Treatment for PTSD

​​nbc news
​​Doctors to treat PTSD with virtual reality
new york post
Promising new treatment for PTSD revealed — how it can help veterans
new york times
​​Not a Game: Simulation to Lessen War Trauma

bbc news
​​Virtual reality PTSD treatment has 'big impact' for veterans

​Research Findings on VR Treatment for PTSD

Integration of Virtual Reality into Emergency Psychiatric Care Delivery System: Pilot Study

​Simon Riches, Sarah L Nicholson, Carolina Fialho, Jordan Little, Lava Ahmed, Harley McIntosh, Ina Kaleva, Tom Sandford, Rebecca Cockburn, Clarissa Odoi, Lisa Azevedo, Ruxandra Vasile, James Payne-Gill, Helen L Fisher, Catheleine van Driel, Wim Veling, Lucia Valmaggia, Freya Rumball

2023
​
Individuals with acute mental disorders experience heightened stress associated with exacerbated symptoms and increased violence in psychiatric settings. Traditional stress management methods can be challenging for patients. Relaxation in virtual reality (VR) appears promising for stress reduction; however, research on VR application in psychiatric wards is limited.

This mixed-methods study explored the feasibility and acceptability of integrating VR relaxation into psychiatric ward routines. The study evaluated VR relaxation sessions for inpatients and outpatients with acute psychiatric conditions (N = 42) and the experiences of therapists (N = 6) facilitating VR sessions for patients. Patients completed self-assessment surveys on psychological well-being before and after VR relaxation. Patients and therapists provided qualitative feedback. 

Incidents of violence and restrictive practices in patients were compared between the 12 weeks pre-implementation of VR and the initial 12 weeks of VR. After VR implementation, a statistically significant increase in relaxation, happiness, and nature connection was observed in patients, alongside decreased levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness. Qualitative findings indicated that patients found the sessions enjoyable, relaxing, and beneficial. Therapists offered positive feedback but highlighted practical challenges.

Incidents of violence and restrictive practices decreased by half during VR implementation. VR relaxation appears feasible and acceptable in emergency care settings. Larger studies are needed to assess the potential impact on psychiatric wards.

READ FULL ARTICLE​
The Use of Virtual Reality Technology in the Treatment of Anxiety and Other Psychiatric Disorders

​Jessica L Maples-Keller, Brian E Bunnell, Sae-Jin Kim, Barbara O Rothbaum

​2017

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to feel present in a computer-generated, three-dimensional environment. Sensory information is delivered through a head-mounted display and specialized interface devices. These devices track head movements, so the images change naturally with head motion, creating a sense of immersion. VR, which enables controlled delivery of sensory stimulation by the therapist, is a convenient and cost-effective treatment method.

This review focuses on the available literature regarding the effectiveness of incorporating VR in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, especially exposure-based interventions for anxiety disorders. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies using VR-based treatments for anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.

The article covers:

- The history of VR technology development and its use in psychiatric treatment.
- Empirical evidence supporting VR-based treatment.
- The benefits of using VR for psychiatric research and treatment.

Additionally, it provides recommendations for incorporating VR into psychiatric care and discusses future directions for VR-based treatment and clinical research.

READ FULL ARTICLE​
Virtual reality exposure therapy for Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

​ Rothbaum, B. O., Hodges, L., Ready, D., Graap, K., & Alarcon, R. D.

​2001

Background: Virtual reality (VR) integrates real-time computer graphics, body-tracking devices, visual displays, and other sensory input devices to immerse a participant in a computer-generated virtual environment that changes in a natural way with head and body motion. VR exposure (VRE) is proposed as an alternative to typical imaginal exposure treatment for Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method: This report presents the results of an open clinical trial using VRE to treat Vietnam combat veterans who have DSM-IV PTSD. In 8 to 16 sessions, 10 male patients were exposed to 2 virtual environments: a virtual Huey helicopter flying over a virtual Vietnam and a clearing surrounded by jungle.

Results: Clinician-rated PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, the primary outcome measure, at 6-month follow-up indicated an overall statistically significant reduction from baseline (p = .0021) in symptoms associated with specific reported traumatic experiences. All 8 participants interviewed at the 6-month follow-up reported reductions in PTSD symptoms ranging from 15% to 67%. Significant decreases were seen in all 3 symptom clusters (p < .02). Patient self-reported intrusion symptoms as measured by the Impact of Event Scale were significantly lower (p < .05) at 3 months than at baseline but not at 6 months, although there was a clear trend toward fewer intrusive thoughts and somewhat less avoidance.

Conclusion: Virtual reality exposure therapy holds promise for treating PTSD in Vietnam veterans.

READ FULL ARTICLE​
​Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD

​ Rizzo, A., & Shilling, R.

​2015

War is perhaps one of the most challenging situations that a human being can experience. The physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological demands of a combat environment place enormous stress on even the best-prepared military personnel. 

Numerous reports indicate that the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) military personnel is significant. 

This has served to motivate research on how to better develop and disseminate evidence-based treatments for PTSD that leverage the unique features available with virtual reality (VR) technology. VR-delivered exposure therapy for PTSD is currently being used to treat combat- and terrorist attack-related PTSD with initial reports of positive outcomes. 

This chapter presents a brief overview and rationale for the use of VR exposure for combat-related PTSD and describes the Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan exposure therapy system. This includes a short review of the previous literature, a description of the system components and the treatment protocol, and a case presentation. 

VR offers an alternative format for delivering exposure-based therapies for PTSD that may appeal to certain service members and veterans who grew up “digital” and who might be inclined to seek treatment in this fashion.

READ FULL ARTICLE​

​We have already implemented numerous successful projects with Ukrainian and international world-class companies