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Air Force study uses virtual reality for PTSD

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A new virtual reality program to treat combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and experiencing post traumatic stress disorder is a first at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

PTSD has long been associated with war veterans. It was called "Shell Shock" in World War I, "Combat Neurosis" during WW II, and was eventually recognized as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, termed PTSD.

The Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy is a computer-simulated Virtual Iraq and Virtual Afghanistan that allows Airmen to interact and recreate a traumatic scene and recall sights, sounds, smells, thoughts and feelings.

The VR exposure is part of the new PTSD Clinic here that opened in August. The technology will complement the clinic's evidence-based treatment programs to provide the maximum quality of care for returning deployers. Wilford Hall is one of eight sites Air Force-wide selected for the program. (see related story)

"I believe this is a unique opportunity to utilize technology to help our warriors," said Maj. Monty Baker, director of research, Warrior Resiliency Program.

"Use of the VR and development of the PTSD clinic are just two examples of what is being done in San Antonio to provide the best PTSD treatment possible for military members," he added.

The software program is similar to a video game; it is three dimensional and activates a process in the brain that gives the patient a sense of presence. The service member wears headphones and a virtual reality visor similar to goggles, uses a mock M16 and stands on a vibrating platform. The devices are connected to a computer that allows the patient to engage in a more realistic traumatic scene, like the one they experienced.

Individuals are monitored closely in a safe environment by mental health professionals, who guide and coach them along the way.

"The exposure to the event is a slow, gradual process and eventually increased. The more one engages in the experience, the more one is able to release emotions and subsequently get better," said Doctor Alan Maiers, psychologist and assistant chief, Warrior Resiliency Program.

"We want to help them deal with avoidance. They are repeatedly exposed to a traumatic event at a level they find tolerable, but sufficient to reduce anxiety," Doctor Maiers said.

However, VR is not an independent therapy for PTSD. Dr. Maiers emphasized that the technology complements the prolonged exposure therapy, evidence-based treatment and other research-proven approaches to help deployers process traumatic events and increase their ability to cope with things that can trigger fear and panic.

"We are excited about being able to give people who are serving our country their lives back by removing these symptoms," he said. Before patients are introduced to the virtual system, there are several visits with a therapist to talk about their wartime experiences in detail. This allows the experts to manipulate the software application and add sensory variables similar to the traumatic experience.

Over the next year, the Air Force will conduct a study to determine how effective the program is in conjunction with prolonged exposure therapy. Information and data will be gathered from patients and therapists to determine whether the Air Force continues with the treatment plan.

"The opportunity to help Airmen by incorporating innovative ideas, such as the PTSD Clinic, virtual technology and working jointly with the Army, will lead to better evidence-based care in the future," said Maj. Baker, who also is a staff psychologist at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

Meantime, experts are seeking volunteers for a local study to determine whether the software is suitable for an Airmen's experience in Iraq or Afghanistan. To be eligible, individuals should have no symptoms of PTSD or any other major psychiatric disorder and must have deployed within the last year to Afghanistan or Iraq. If interested, contact Doctor Maiers at 210-478-8854.