Tailored Immersion: Implementing Personalized Components Into Virtual Reality for Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

European Psychiatry, vol. 65, pp. S675

Abstract

Introduction With the application of virtual reality (VR), tailored interventions can be created that mirror the traumatic experiences of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visual elements can be mimicked, and auditory and other senses stimulated. In doing so, the degree of immersion can be adjusted to optimize the therapeutic process. Objectively measuring the sensory immersion is key to keep subjects within their personal window of tolerance. Based on this information the therapist can decide manipulate the sensory stimulation embedded in the treatment. Objectives The objectives of this study are to explore the different immersive design aspects of VRET that can be modified to influence the experienced presence in veterans with PTSD, and to discuss possible methods of measuring the emotional response facilitated by immersive design aspects and experienced presence. Methods Four design aspects are discussed: system, sensory cues, narrative and challenge. We also report on a user experiment in three veterans that informed on quality and depth of immersion. Results Believability of the neutral virtual environment was important for maintaining the veterans’ presence within the VR experience. The immersive design aspects that were personalized and supportive in the narrative of the veteran such as music and self-selected images appeared to have a strong influence on recall and reliving of the traumatic events. Conclusions Finally, in order to increase the therapeutic effect in veterans with PTSD, the highlighted design aspects should be recognized and tailored to maximize immersion in virtual reality exposure therapy. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Authors 8

1. Nancy van Veelen corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Foundation Centrum '45

   Affiliation as printed

   ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands

   Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands

2. Rudy Boonekamp

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

   Affiliation as printed

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Soesterberg, Soesterberg, Netherlands

3. T.A.J. Schoonderwoerd

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

   Affiliation as printed

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Soesterberg, Soesterberg, Netherlands

4. Martijn van Emmerik

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

   Affiliation as printed

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Soesterberg, Soesterberg, Netherlands

5. Mirjam J. Nijdam

   Foundation Centrum '45 · Amsterdam University Medical Centers

   Affiliation as printed

   ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands

   Amsterdam University Medical Center, Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands

6. B. Bruinsma

   Ministry of Defence

   Affiliation as printed

   Ministry of Defence, Brain Research And Innovation Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands

7. Chelsea Jones Aachen

   Department of National Defence · Canadian Armed Forces · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Canadian Forces Health Services, Department Of National Defense, Ottowa, Canada

   Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands

8. Eric H. G. J. M. Vermetten Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Ministry of Defence · Foundation Centrum '45

   Affiliation as printed

   ARQ, Centrum ’45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands

   Leiden University Medical Center, Psychiatry, LEIDEN, Netherlands

   Ministry of Defense, Military Mental Health Care, Utrecht, Netherlands