Abstract

Introduction

With the application of virtual reality (VR), tailored interventions can be created that mirror the traumatic experiences of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visual elements can be mimicked, and auditory and other senses stimulated. In doing so, the degree of immersion can be adjusted to optimize the therapeutic process. Objectively measuring the sensory immersion is key to keep subjects within their personal window of tolerance. Based on this information the therapist can decide manipulate the sensory stimulation embedded in the treatment.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to explore the different immersive design aspects of VRET that can be modified to influence the experienced presence in veterans with PTSD, and to discuss possible methods of measuring the emotional response facilitated by immersive design aspects and experienced presence.

Methods

Four design aspects are discussed: system, sensory cues, narrative and challenge. We also report on a user experiment in three veterans that informed on quality and depth of immersion.

Results

Believability of the neutral virtual environment was important for maintaining the veterans’ presence within the VR experience. The immersive design aspects that were personalized and supportive in the narrative of the veteran such as music and self-selected images appeared to have a strong influence on recall and reliving of the traumatic events.

Conclusions

Finally, in order to increase the therapeutic effect in veterans with PTSD, the highlighted design aspects should be recognized and tailored to maximize immersion in virtual reality exposure therapy.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Details

Title
Tailored Immersion: Implementing Personalized Components Into Virtual Reality for Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Author
N Van Veelen 1 ; Boonekamp, R 2 ; Schoonderwoerd, T 2 ; Emmerik, M 2 ; Nijdam, M 3 ; Bruinsma, B 4 ; Geuze, E 5 ; Jones, C 6 ; Vermetten, E 7 

 Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands; ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands 
 Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Soesterberg, Soesterberg, Netherlands 
 ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands 
 Ministry of Defence, Brain Research And Innovation Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands 
 UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department Of Psychiatry, Utrecht, Netherlands 
 Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands; Canadian Forces Health Services, Department Of National Defense, Ottowa, Canada 
 Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands; ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands; Ministry of Defense, Military Mental Health Care, Utrecht, Netherlands 
Pages
S675-S675
Publication year
2022
Publication date
Jun 2022
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
ISSN
09249338
e-ISSN
17783585
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2708683850
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.