Sam Brusco, Associate Editor04.29.21
The American Psychiatric Association estimates one in 11 people will be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime, but new virtual reality technology is providing hope recovery.
UCF RESTORES is a nonprofit trauma research center and treatment clinic at the University of Central Florida. The center has built a VR treatment tool that can be tailored to a patient's traumatic experience, immersing them in the original trauma’s sights, smells, and sounds. The center has launched a clinical trial to study this new VR tool’s effectiveness to treat adults with PTSD from a traumatic adulthood event.
Those 18 years of age or older in the U.S. meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria are eligible to participate. The treatment program includes a pre-treatment evaluation, two weeks of treatment, and post-treatment assessments. It’s available at no cost and hotel accommodations will be provided during the two-week treatment, as needed.
Since 2011, UCF RESTORES has worked to change the way PTSD is understood, diagnosed and treated. The organization's unique approach to treatment—combining exposure therapy, emerging technology, one-on-one and group therapy sessions—has resulted in 66 percent of participants with combat-related trauma and 76 percent of first responders no longer meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded the clinic $3 million to develop this enhanced VR tool to address a wider range of traumatic events that could result in PTSD.
Until now, the organization's use of VR in treatment has relied upon a third-party system with limited customization of its visual elements. This new VR tool will be used to test the efficacy of UCF RESTORES' exposure therapy treatment in a further condensed, two-week intensive format.
"With this tool in hand, we will be able to dynamically recreate scenarios that are customized to each patient's unique experience, ultimately helping them process traumatic memories, put them in their place and regain control of their daily lives," UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP told the press.
Those interested in participating in the study are encouraged to call UCF RESTORES at (407) 823-3910 for a confidential interview.
UCF RESTORES is a nonprofit trauma research center and treatment clinic at the University of Central Florida. The center has built a VR treatment tool that can be tailored to a patient's traumatic experience, immersing them in the original trauma’s sights, smells, and sounds. The center has launched a clinical trial to study this new VR tool’s effectiveness to treat adults with PTSD from a traumatic adulthood event.
Those 18 years of age or older in the U.S. meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria are eligible to participate. The treatment program includes a pre-treatment evaluation, two weeks of treatment, and post-treatment assessments. It’s available at no cost and hotel accommodations will be provided during the two-week treatment, as needed.
Since 2011, UCF RESTORES has worked to change the way PTSD is understood, diagnosed and treated. The organization's unique approach to treatment—combining exposure therapy, emerging technology, one-on-one and group therapy sessions—has resulted in 66 percent of participants with combat-related trauma and 76 percent of first responders no longer meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded the clinic $3 million to develop this enhanced VR tool to address a wider range of traumatic events that could result in PTSD.
Until now, the organization's use of VR in treatment has relied upon a third-party system with limited customization of its visual elements. This new VR tool will be used to test the efficacy of UCF RESTORES' exposure therapy treatment in a further condensed, two-week intensive format.
"With this tool in hand, we will be able to dynamically recreate scenarios that are customized to each patient's unique experience, ultimately helping them process traumatic memories, put them in their place and regain control of their daily lives," UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP told the press.
Those interested in participating in the study are encouraged to call UCF RESTORES at (407) 823-3910 for a confidential interview.