Over the last couple of years, mental health treatment has evolved dramatically as technology has advanced. New tools are used by doctors that have increased the accuracy of a diagnosis, and general healthcare has been greatly improved by the use of new technologies. Check Skin Disorders here.
One specific technology that is often overlooked in regard to mental health, is virtual reality. This technology has the potential to transform mental health treatment for the better in more ways than one. Let’s dive into some of those prominent ways:
- Desensitization to Stimuli
One common issue faced in regard to mental health is a negative response to a certain stimulus. There are a number of reasons a person may have this reaction, such as generalized anxiety disorders or a past history with that stimulus. Regardless of the cause, virtual reality can be used to slowly desensitize a person to that stimulus and remove the negative reaction.
For perspective, a person with social anxiety could be introduced to a simulation in a place that would normally cause their anxiety to spike. They could then take their time preparing themselves for the situation and learn how to manage it from a safe environment. This technology could be used to help those with stimulus-based anxiety, stress, or even PTSD.
- Telehealth
In general, telehealth can be combined with virtual reality to create an almost in-person healthcare experience. For those unfamiliar, telehealth is the ability to virtually speak with a doctor or healthcare professional, either on the phone through call or text, or alternatively on a video.
For example, sites such as the following provide comprehensive health related information:
https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/blog/video-game-addiction
By combining this with virtual reality, a person may be able to communicate with a doctor from anywhere in the world and “see” them face-to-face as well through a virtual reality headset. For those who do not like the lack of face-to-face aspect of telehealth, this could be an important benefit.
- State Dependent Learning
Similar to desensitization, virtual reality headsets could allow a therapy patient to undergo state dependent learning. This form of learning requires putting a person in a situation where they are supposed to engage in a taught action. Rather than throwing them into the deep end of a situation in real life, a virtual reality simulation can be developed so they can practice the action instead.
- Greater Flexibility in Healthcare Treatment
Another major benefit virtual reality headsets could bring to the healthcare field is a new form of healthcare treatment. The desensitization and state dependent learning mentioned earlier are two forms of treatment, among others, that didn’t exist prior to a few years ago.
In theory, doctors could prescribe a virtual reality headset and desensitization training all from the comfort of one’s own home. This would allow patients to comfortably practice what they learn during their treatment plan.
- Automated Treatments
Finally, automated healthcare treatments are another major potential benefit that virtual reality brings to the table. Rather than needing a patient to come in during treatment, a doctor or therapist could simply create a virtual treatment plan for that person to follow from home.
Combining this with a few in-person check-ins and it’s easy to see how virtual reality could have a positive impact on the healthcare field. Additionally, therapists could monitor progress of a treatment plan in order to keep a patient accountable.
As technology continues to advance, the ways by which it changes mental health treatment will surely change as well. Virtual reality is still a relatively new technology being developed, but as it becomes perfected it’s possible that this technology will greatly impact health treatments, both physical and mental.