| resumeang: Discusses the use of virtual reality environments as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral treatment of phobias. The discussion is based on observations over the course of 600 virtual reality sessions, including those conducted at the Center for Advanced Multimedia Psychotherapy at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. The center was established to conduct research and provide clinical treatment to persons with phobias and other mental health disorders by using virtual environments as an adjunct to traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. Physiological and self-report evaluative data collected during treatment are seen to support the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure as a useful adjunct in the treatment of phobias. The use of immersive virtual environments appears to augment treatment success through the construct of "presence". Three brief case reports are summarized: a 75 yr old female with claustrophobia, an 18 yr old male with agoraphobia, and a 32 yr old male with social phobia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2000 APA, all rights reserved). |
