A groundbreaking new study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology has unveiled the use of augmented reality enhanced with artificial intelligence for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Developed and tested at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, this technology aims to help patients with PTSD overcome their avoidances of real-world environments that trigger their trauma, ultimately improving their social and occupational functioning.
Led by Professor Arash Javanbakht, M.D., the technology uses augmented reality to create a world that feels authentic to the fear brain, providing therapists with a wide range of feared objects and situations for exposure therapy. By wirelessly connecting to a therapist’s computer, patients can navigate real-world environments while interacting with virtually-created objects, allowing for effective treatment in a controlled setting.
Dr. Javanbakht and his team have worked for over a decade to develop this innovative technology, starting with its use in psychotherapy for phobias before expanding its application to PTSD treatment. The recent publication marks a significant milestone in the journey to making this technology widely available in mental health clinics worldwide.
The research team’s tireless efforts have paid off, resulting in a product that has already shown promising results in clinical trials. With collaboration from industry leaders and first responders, as well as the incorporation of artificial intelligence for automation, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of PTSD and anxiety disorders.
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Photo credit today.wayne.edu
