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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Is virtual reality a treatment option for people with of driving?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Is virtual reality a treatment option for people with of driving?
by Seyoum, May 23, 2000 12:00AM
A friend of mine who lives in Washington D.C. had a car accident sometimes in 1990 and since then she has developed a fear of driving. At first, her driving speed in the city went down to 10 - 20 miles/hr and now she practically stopped driving at all. She tried every means to get back her confidence. She even saw a therapist to help her overcome her fear but at the end she did not improve at all. Recently, I heard on the news that some physicians are offereing a virtual reality treatment to combat fear of heights. Do you think this treatment option can help people with fear of driving? Do you know any doctors or hospitals that practice this line of treatment in Washington/Maryland area?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, May 23, 2000 12:00AM
I am familiar with the initial work they are doing regarding the virtual reality with phobias. But I would not label your friend's condition as simple phobia as he was in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the accident and his perception of the accident and the assocaited symptoms he has like nightmares, flashbacks, mood instability, your friend may be suffering from a condition called acute stress disorder.
Typically, this condition is treated differently than simple phobia.
I would recommend that your friend consult a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
Typically, this condition is treated differently than simple phobia.
I would recommend that your friend consult a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
