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Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
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Management of obsessive-compulsive disorder with virtual reality-based exposure.
Devakshi Dua1, Gopika Jagota1, Sandeep Grover1
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Industrial Psychiatry Journal
|September 6, 2021
Summary
Virtual reality exposure therapy offers a novel approach for managing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This case study shows VR-ERP successfully treated a patient with severe OCD symptoms unresponsive to traditional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly impairs socio-occupational functioning.
- Traditional treatments like SSRIs and imaginal exposure therapy have limited efficacy for some patients.
- Virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy is an emerging treatment modality for OCD.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old male with an 8-year history of OCD presented with intrusive images and compulsive behaviors.
- The patient experienced marked distress and socio-occupational dysfunction.
- Previous treatments, including SSRIs and imaginal exposure, were minimally effective.
Findings:
- Virtual reality based exposure therapy (VR-ERP) was implemented over 2 months, involving 60 sessions.
- The patient was exposed to anxiety-provoking images using VR technology.
- The treatment successfully addressed the patient's OC symptoms and associated distress.
Implications:
- VR exposure therapy presents a viable alternative for managing OCD, especially in treatment-resistant cases.
- The development of specialized VR software for OCD assessment and management is warranted.
- This case highlights the potential of immersive technologies in behavioral therapy.
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