Virtual reality in psychotherapy
Aldo Galeazzia, Giovanni Di Milo
Virtual Reality is a new technology characterised by a graphic environment in which the user not only
has the feeling of being physically present in a virtual environment, but also of being able to interact
with it (Botella et al., 2004). There has been a remarkable development of methodologies based on
the use of virtual environments in various sectors in the last few decades, these include aeronautics,
rehabilitation medicine and surgery.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy has been particularly active in the use and in the empirical validation of
therapeutic protocols assisted by virtual reality exposure therapy. The greatest number of applications has
been realised for anxiety disorders, for example: fear of fl ying, acrophobia, arachnophobia (fear of spiders),
post traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. Other clinical sectors in which virtual
reality exposure therapy has been experimented with good results are eating disorders, body image
disorders, «addiction» problems, male sexual dysfunctions and the treatment of acute pain. The association
of virtual reality exposure therapy with neurofeedback has produced positive results in the treatment of
attention-defi cit hyperactivity disorder. The use of virtual reality exposure therapy in the treatment of other
psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders is currently in the study phase.
This paper has the following aims: (1) to provide an updated overview of the most meaningful studies in
the fi eld, (2) to analyse the positive aspects and the critical aspects when using this technology, especially
with reference to the patient and therapist relationship, (3) to identify further possible applications.
Keywords
Virtual reality, exposure, cognitive-behavioural therapy, learning and cognition,
presence.
