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IMMERSE: A new VR treatment for PTSD

Introduction

Current treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involve cognitive behavioral therapy, Imaginary Exposure and EMDR. However, these treatments appear to have limited effects on military personnel and veterans, for instance due to high levels of avoidance of the traumatic memory. A possible solution to increase successful treatment outcomes in this population with PTSD could be using computer techniques, such as Virtual Reality (VR). Although it is a relatively new technique, VR has been widely used in treating anxiety and trauma disorders and it has several advantages over current treatments. 
Firstly, it is harder to avoid trauma-related images and videos because of the immersive character due to the head-mounted display (HMD). Furthermore, sensory elements, such as smell, audio and vibrotactile stimuli can be added to increase immersion into the digital world. These stimuli can be used to either increase the trauma related treatment sessions or to reduce emotional discomfort when patients are overwhelmed. Lastly, therapists are able to monitor patient’s physiological responses, such as eye movements, eye blinks, heart rate, and respiration rate. To stimulate reconsolidation of the traumatic memory and straining on working memory, a game of Tetris in the VR-world is being played. 
The aim of IMMERSE is to test feasibility and tolerability of a newly designed VR exposure therapy. This pilot study requires 20 participants who follow the treatment protocol. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms will be assessed three times; before the start of the treatment, directly after the last therapy session and three months after the last treatment session.

Project overview

Objective: 

  1. To test the feasibility and acceptability of VR-delivered exposure sessions in a therapy protocol for active military personnel and veterans with PTSD.
  2. To test the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing psychological symptoms. 

Target population:

Dutch military personnel and veterans (18-65 years) who are diagnosed with PTSD. 

Timeframe:

The study started in June 2022. The expected duration is 3 years. 

Results: 

Results of the study are expected by the end of 2025.