http://mindhacks.com/2007/02/20/virtual-reality-to-treat-combat-trauma/ Neuroscience and psychology news and views. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:54:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://mindhacks.com/2007/02/20/virtual-reality-to-treat-combat-trauma/#comment-7505 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:50:21 +0000 http://mindhacksblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/20/virtual-reality-to-treat-combat-trauma/#comment-7505 What an exceptional idea to treat PTSD. However, I am bit surprised it had not been thought of sooner, considering that we have had much of the technology for years and, as you already mentioned, it is unequivocally safer than exposure to any form, including the lowest level, of combat conditions. One of the reasons I believe that this treatment may be more beneficial than traditional imaginative therapy to a soldier suffering from PTSD, is due to the extensive amount of detail involved in creating this “Virtual Iraq.” In case your readers didn’t know, the realism factor of this program is truly astounding. It includes a fully rendered three-dimensional environment with impressive graphics and sound; powerful subwoofers are placed under the soldier’s chair to create movements and vibrations; and a system allows for odors to be dispersed which include: gunpowder, cordite, burning rubber, burning smoke, diesel fuel, Iraqi spices, barbecued lamb and body odor. As you can probably tell, I am very excited about the possibilities of this new treatment. Hopefully this technology can help alleviate the distress of our affected soldiers.

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