The virtues of virtual reality in exposure therapy

Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Apr;210(4):245-246. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.116.193300.

Abstract

Virtual reality can be more effective and less burdensome than real-life exposure. Optimal virtual reality delivery should incorporate in situ direct dialogues with a therapist, discourage safety behaviours, allow for a mismatch between virtual and real exposure tasks, and encourage self-directed real-life practice between and beyond virtual reality sessions.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Implosive Therapy / instrumentation
  • Implosive Therapy / methods*
  • User-Computer Interface*