The interactive computer-generated world of virtual reality has been
successful in treating phobias and other anxiety-related conditions, in
part because of its distinct advantages over traditional in vivo
exposure. Yet many clinicians still think of VR technology as it was in
the 1990s--bulky, costly, technically difficult--with little knowledge
of its evolution toward more modern, practice-friendly treatment.
These updates, and their clinical usefulness, are the subject of
Advances in Virtual Reality and Anxiety Disorders, a timely guidebook
geared toward integrating up-to-date VR methods into everyday practice.
Introductory material covers key virtual reality concepts, provides a
brief history of VR as used in therapy for anxiety disorders, and
explains the side effects, known as cybersickness, that affect a small
percentage of clients. Chapters in the book's main section detail
current techniques and review study findings for using VR in the
treatment of:
- Claustrophobia.
- Panic disorder, agoraphobia, and driving phobia.
- Acrophobia and aviophobia.
- Arachnophobia.
- Social phobia.
- Generalized anxiety disorder and OCD.
- PTSD.
- Plus clinical guidelines for establishing a VR clinic.
An in-depth framework for effective (and cost-effective) therapeutic
innovations for entrenched problems, Advances in Virtual Reality and
Anxiety Disorders will find an engaged audience among psychologists,
psychiatrists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists.