In the last post, it was mentioned that the military is using a new type of virtual reality therapy to address the needs of service members suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Now, researchers from Oxford University have found that playing video games, such as Tetris, may alleviate the flashbacks associated with the disorder. The researchers and psychologists hope that this preliminary research will help to thwart flashbacks immediately after trauma. This would be helpful because current treatments can only be administered after a person has actually been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
Read more on Video games may help alleviate flashbacks and trauma associated with PTSD…
Filed under PTSD research, PTSD therapy by on Jan 25th, 2010. Comment. 
A new clinic at Andrews Air force Base is giving soldiers a chance to re-live the most treacherous, dangerous, and violent aspects of war. Although the traditional notion is that soldiers should be kept as far away from those images and thoughts as possible, these new virtual reality concepts may be the keys in unlocking the emotional toll of post traumatic stress disorder. At the clinic, soldiers have the opportunity to put on headphones to hear the sounds of battles, gunfire, shouting, etc. They also put on virtual reality goggles, allowing them to see images of warfare.
Read more on Virtual Reality Helps Soldiers Cope with the Actual Reality of PTSD…
Filed under PTSD therapy by on Jan 20th, 2010. Comment.
Due to the severity of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the lack of a long-term, effective cure, many with the condition seek alternative therapies to combat the debilitating symptoms. Approximately 20% of (or 300,000) veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 have reported symptoms of PTSD, as well as other mental health problems, according to a 2008 RAND Corporation Center for Military Health Policy Research study. Moreover, this study found that only half of these veterans seek treatment for their conditions. With 30,000 additional troops dedicated to the war effort in Afghanistan and the recent shootings at Fort Hood fresh on people’s minds, military personnel are attempting to find alternative means to treat PTSD.
Read more on An Alternative Approach to Treating PTSD: Yoga…
Filed under PTSD therapy by on Jan 2nd, 2010. Comment.
I find the following story interesting, for I am a dog-owner myself and believe in the therapeutic effects of those little furry friends…
Specially trained therapy dogs from America’s VetDogs are making strides in aiding those people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD often results in symptoms of depression and withdrawal, making it difficult for individuals to connect with a therapist during evaluations and treatment. The dogs, used at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, provide conversation starters between the therapist and patient, and help to build trust between the two.
Filed under PTSD therapy by on Dec 16th, 2009. Comment.
