Groundbreaking Tech Brings Relief to PTSD Patients
A study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology has shown that a unique form of augmented reality therapy is effective in helping post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients overcome their symptoms and reintegrate into society.
Developed at Wayne State University School of Medicine, this technology combines artificial intelligence with augmented reality to create realistic, interactive environments for patients undergoing exposure therapy. The system allows therapists to project feared objects and situations into the real world, enabling patients to gradually confront them in a controlled manner.
The technology, designed by Professor Arash Javanbakht, M.D., director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC), uses augmented reality to mimic real-world environments, making it easier for patients to practice social and occupational functioning. The patient's AR headset wirelessly connects to the therapist's computer, providing a three-dimensional map of the patient's environment.
This innovative approach focuses on helping patients overcome avoidances of specific situations, such as public places or interactions with others, which are common in PTSD sufferers. Dr. Javanbakht noted that traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms but fail to address the root causes of avoidance behaviors.
The development of this technology was a decade-long process, involving acquiring patents, securing funding, and conducting clinical trials. The research team included postdoctoral fellow Liza Hinchey, Ph.D., STARC research manager Kathleen Gorski, LMSW, project coordinator Alex Ballard, AR industry expert Luke Ritchie, and Professor Alireza Amirsadri, M.D.
The system has already shown promising results in clinical trials, with patients able to interact more confidently with others and engage in daily activities. The technology is also being tested on female police officers and firefighters with PTSD, who benefit from the highly realistic and immersive nature of the AR environment.
"Unreal that feels real: artificial intelligence-enhanced augmented reality for treating social and occupational dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders" highlights the potential of this therapy to revolutionize the treatment of mental health conditions.