Using Virtual Reality to Treat Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Using Virtual Reality to Treat Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Topic #2)

As virtual reality comes into mainstream culture, there are more and more avenues being explored for practical applications of virtual reality (VR). One such use that has begun to be explored by those in the video game industry is utilizing VR to treat military veterans who suffer from PTSD. While rudimentary applications have been implemented before, none have aimed to be as immersive as the Department of Defense’s Virtual Iraq (Halpern, 2008). PTSD is widespread amongst military veterans and can affect one’s ability to interact with others in a social setting, work setting, or other important areas that require optimal functioning (Derby, 2016). As a veteran myself, I think PTSD is a terrible affliction and we should explore every possible solution: including virtual reality.

a. Virtual Iraq: Using simulation to treat a new generation of traumatized veterans

i. This report in The New Yorker, written by Sue Halpern, taught me a great deal about some of the current applications being used to treat PTSD, along with a program called Virtual Iraq. Virtual Iraq is a form of exposure therapy that a patient, accompanied by a trained psychiatrist, can partake in to help overcome traumatic incidents. A generation of kids that grew up on video games are now coming back from service with a low quality of life. Why not try using those games to help them?

ii. This topic represents a wealth of information I can apply directly to the video game industry. While games are fun, and we all love them, I think it is vital that we remember other beneficial outcomes of advanced technology and game design. Using the methods and technology available can expand outside of making games just for fun, and rather making games to help people.

iii. While the information gleaned in this report was insightful, there is no obvious application of the techniques learned to my Month 3 project (coordinated a Game Expo). I will keep the information in mind as I remember to keep an open mind and always consider new possibilities.

b. Virtual realities: The use of violent video games in U.S. military recruitment and treatment of mental disability caused

i. I learned quite a bit from this report, in particular, the video game applications employed by the U.S. military, such as America's Army and Virtual Iraq.

ii.There were several controversial video game applications developed by the military that have been called into question, especially games aimed at recruiting teenagers (Derby, 2016). Derby goes on to allude that these very violent games are a contributing factor to PTSD itself, amongst veterans. While a possible contributor to the many-faceted issue of PTSD, the military is a definite solution with tools like Virtual Iraq being implemented. Derby even posits that Virtual Iraq could be used to detect soldiers who might suffer from PTSD before they deploy. I found this information very intriguing and I would apply it to my career by investigating it further. The possibility to help others through the technology and methodology of game design is very exciting!

iii.None of the information in this article contributes to my project this month.

                                                           

Topic #2 References

Derby, J. (2016). Virtual realities: The use of violent video games in U.S. military recruitment          and treatment of mental disability caused by war. DSQ, 36(1).                                                              http://dx.doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v36i1.4704

Halpern, S. (2008). Virtual Iraq: Using simulation to treat a new generation of traumatized              veterans. The New Yorker, (MAY 19, 2008), 1-13. Retrieved from                                                        http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/05/19/virtual-iraq