Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2024 Feb;22(1):194-199. 10.9758/cpn.22.1036.

Two Cases of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Caused by a Motor Vehicle Accident Treated with Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

• Kim JW
• Jhon M
• Kang HJ
• Kim SW
• Kim JM

• KMID: 2553625
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.22.1036

Abstract

Exposure-response prevention is an effective approach to treat anxiety disorders. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a promising treatment for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). New research has helped refine and update VRET. In this study, we introduce a form of VRET developed for patients suffering from PTSD after a traffic accident, and present two cases treated using this protocol. After 6 weeks of VRET treatment, the two participants not only improved their PTSD symptoms, but also improved their depressed mood, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. Future studies of VRET for car accident-related PTSD should utilize a controlled design with randomization in order to account for numerous possible confounds.

Keyword

Virtual reality exposure therapy; PTSD; Traffic accidents