Virtual Reality Exposure Therapies

Virtual reality exposure therapies (VRET) are based on cognitive-behavioral therapies’ exposure principles. By receiving scientific validity, VRET are an alternative from imaginary or in vivo exposures. These types of therapies are made to take care of many mental pathologies : anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders… As brief therapies, VRET focuses on “here and now” to treat urgent clinical pictures and give to the patients a smart and efficient response to the severity of their pain.

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1. VRET’s HISTORY

The first VRET tests scientifically validated were in 1992. Atlanta Clark University have protocolized an in virtuo therapy on aviophobia’s treatment. Nowadays, cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) are rising, meanwhile virtual technologies increase in qualitative aspects and tend to create medical applications. CBT can now use a third exposure alternative : the in virtuo. Clinicians and researchers evaluate this technology’s therapeutic benefits in anxiety disorders’ treatments. There is a big success on specific phobias’ treatments.Therapeutic applications evolved also with new studies on post-traumatic stress disorders.Vietnam war’s veterans would be the first to get access to this technology.

Actually, VRET treats many families and pathologies : addictions, eating disorders, social cognition. Moreover, they are democratized, its goals are also directed on psychiatric areas : schizophrenia, personality disorders and emotional disorders. 

2. VRET TREATMENT

Based on cognitive behavioral therapy exposure principles, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapies is an alternative to in vivo exposures. The patient who suffers from anxiety disorder, faces anxiety-provoking situations to create a habituation phenomenon. It is a real therapeutic success. VRET can also be used in other pathologies such as addictions or eating disorders. Patients are immersed in ecological environments but also work with virtual context processing dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors (craving, dysmorphophobia, non-realistic beliefs, cognitive distortions…).
Exposure lasts, on average, 30 to 40 minutes, and patients need around 8 sessions to see the anxiety response’s decreasement. VRET can integrate classical therapies to optimize therapeutic benefits.

3. WHO CAN USE VRET ?

Children, teenargers, adults and elderly people can be treated by Virtual Reality Exposure Therapies. However, some restrictions are applied on :

– Less than 4 years old children because the eye’s lens isn’t totally formed yet
– Epileptic people
– Pregnant women (It’s a caution measure because there isn’t any studies on this topic)
– Decompensating psychotic patients

4. WHAT ARE THE RISKS LINKED TO VRET ?

The only risk linked to virtual reality is cybersickness. It means that you have similar symptoms as travel sickness during or after the exposure. Cybersickness doesn’t have long term consequences and only touches around 10% of the patients.
However, be aware that VRET is only used as a therapeutic use.

5. WHAT TRAINING IS NECESSARY TO PRACTICE VRET ?

VRET are used by many different therapists : Psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist… They also are employed by other healthcare professionals such as nurses, psychomotor specialists, sophrologists or even hypnotherapists.
Training is necessary to get to understand exposure principles in virtual reality. C2Care. C2Care offers training to get tools. However, therapists can be formed by other biais (events, e-learnings…).

6. WHAT PATHOLOGIES CAN BE TREATED BY VRET ?

Virtual reality can treat multiple pathologies. Indeed, there is many datas on :
– Anxiety disorders : Specific Phobias, Social Phobia, Agoraphobia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
– Eating disorders : Anorexia, Bulimia, Hyperphagia (+ Obesity).
– Addictions : alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana, gambling.

Other disorders can be concerned as well with a treatment with virtual reality such as depression, neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia and autism. Virtual reality is also used in relaxation and the pain treatment (during surgery or for chronic pain).

7. WHAT ARE THE VIRTUAL REALITY BENEFITS ?

Benefits are numerous :

–Accessibility : Virtual reality compensates issues linked to in vivo exposition. This gives to the therapists and to the patients the possibility to have access to an almost-unlimited number of various environments directly from the therapist’s office.

–Safety: Environments within the patients are immersed are under the therapist’s control to avoid any undesirable event. Moreover patients are reassured by this type of exposure. Virtual reality gives a secure alternative for the patient and for the therapist during some potentially dangerous situations (such as amaxophobia for example).

– Confidentiality : Exposure can be directly realized in the therapist’s office.

– Cost reduction : Some disorders need expensive exposure, such as aviophobia. In vivo exposure requires exposing the patient to the key step of an aircraft’s journey. That is really expensive.

– Settings : Using virtual reality gives access to many impossible settings during in vivo exposures : changing the weather, increasing or decreasing people in the crowd or the traffic, creating turmoil or changing people’s facial expression

– Ludic aspect : Virtual reality makes people’s curious. As highlighted in different studies, the ludic aspect of VRET is liked by the users and optimize therapeutic engagement and care’s motivation.

8. WHAT MATERIAL IS NEEDED TO PRACTICE VRET ?

To practice VRET, you need to get virtual reality material. Different offers of virtual reality headset can easily be found :

– We have some compatible wireless headset such as Oculus Quest 2, Pico neo 2 & 3, Oculus Rift S, Hp Reverb G2. You can complete this material with any device coming from a web browser.

– For wire headsets you need a computer with these minimum characteristics : Core i5 9300H, 8go de Ram, a Gtx 1650 graphic card and with a display port.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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