Track 27: Virtual reality therapies

Virtual reality therapy (VRT) is the application of virtual reality technology for psychological or occupational therapy and in affecting virtual rehabilitation. It is also referred to as virtual reality immersion therapy (VRIT), simulation for therapy (SFT), virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), and computerized CBT (CCBT). Virtual reality therapy is intended to remove the user from their external sensory inputs and create the illusion of immersion inside a computer-generated, interactive virtual environment. Patients navigate through digitally created environments and complete specially designed tasks often tailored to treat a particular ailment. As an adjuvant analgesic during burn wound dressing and other painful medical operations, this technique has a proven clinical advantage. Technology might be as basic as a keyboard and PC or as advanced as a virtual reality headset. In order to lessen fear reactions, patients engage with safe virtual representations of distressing stimuli in this often utilized alternative form of exposure treatment. It has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating PTSD and holds great potential for treating a range of neurological and physical ailments. Virtual reality treatment has also been used to treat various conditions like body dysmorphia, aid stroke patients regain muscle control, and help autistic people with their social skills.