A review, recently published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, showcased the benefits of virtual reality (VR) treatments for patients with phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other mental health conditions.

VR technology is able to create unique environments to treat these mental conditions. Lead author Jessica L. Maples-Keller, PhD, of University of Georgia, believes VR could increase access to psychiatric treatments by a broader population by combining the technology with telehealth.

"Virtual reality is potentially a powerful tool for the psychiatric community," said Maples-Keller. "It allows providers to create computer-generated environments in a controlled setting, which can be used to create a sense of presence and immersion in the feared environment for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders."

The study was able to utilize the creative powers of VR to fully immerse patients in recovery. With the click of a button, researchers can recreate real life scenarios, such as heights or planes for patients with phobias, that would otherwise be costly and time consuming. The control given to the researchers by the VR technology allows for a more personalized approach to the individual needs of a patient.

"With the cost of head-mounted displays coming down and smaller smartphone applications being developed, it is likely that virtual reality applications will proliferate," Maples-Keller and colleagues conclude. "It will be important that these are treated as tools and therapists are properly trained in their applications."

The study review concluded the benefits of VR were long lasting, significant and well-received by patients. Researchers hope, with more significant research into the possibilities of VR, to improve interventions of substance abuse and cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression.

The authors also note VR could help conduct clinical research.