VR for Mental Health Treatment? South Korea's 'Simida' Has Already Made It Happen

According to VCBeat, virtual reality (VR) has remained a hot topic in the tech community over the past two years. A steady stream of new products—such as Baofeng Mojing, Oculus, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR—continuously broaden our horizons. While media coverage has largely focused on VR’s applications in entertainment, its potential role in the medical field has been somewhat overlooked. Yet, much like its evolution in gaming and audiovisual entertainment, VR is subtly but profoundly transforming our world within the healthcare industry.

In South Korea, virtual reality (VR) technology is increasingly being applied in psychotherapy. As an adjunct to traditional medical approaches, this technology helps patients better overcome psychological or mental disorders by simulating real-life environments.According to Yonhap News Agency, the widespread availability of VR devices has also made this treatment more affordable for a larger number of patients, holding promise for self-administered therapy at home.Significant Therapeutic Efficacy“In 2001, South Korea began researching the application of virtual reality (VR) technology in the treatment of mental disorders. By 2003, this research had matured significantly,” said Kim Jae-jin (phonetic translation), a Professor of Psychology at Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea. Although not a standalone treatment modality, VR therapy serves as an adjunct to traditional medical interventions, helping patients overcome various psychological conditions, including dissociative identity disorder and alcohol dependence.For instance, at Severance Hospital in Seoul, patients undergoing VR therapy enter a dimly lit, relaxing space where they wear VR headsets equipped with tracking sensors. Physicians select different virtual scenarios based on the patient’s specific psychological or psychiatric issues, simulating situations such as conversations with friends, dinner dates, or interactions with supervisors.In each scenario, a virtual avatar engages in dialogue with the patient.By monitoring these interactions, physicians can gain insights into the patient’s condition. Meanwhile, patients can overcome psychological barriers, such as public speaking anxiety, by gradually adapting to the virtual environments.“For example, patients who need to reduce their alcohol consumption can practice refusing drinking prompts in simulated social drinking scenarios,” said Kim Jae-jin. “Through interactions with human-like ‘avatars,’ we can identify therapeutic approaches to help patients improve their interpersonal relationships. Most patients report high satisfaction with the efficacy of VR therapy.”Some experts also note that VR therapy is effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).“VR therapy can also assist patients who have lost limbs due to war or accidents,” said Kang Byung-joo (phonetic translation), head of a South Korean company specializing in VR device software development. “This therapy allows patients to accept their reality in a gradual manner.”Increasingly PrevalentAccording to Yonhap News Agency, although virtual reality (VR) technology began to be applied in the treatment of psychological or mental disorders in South Korea over a decade ago, it has only garnered significant social attention in recent years.“Previously, psychotherapy utilizing VR technology was expensive and complex,” said Kim Jae-jin. “However, with advancements in this technology, VR devices have become more affordable and easier to operate.”Experts state that the application of VR therapy is gradually becoming an international trend. As VR devices become more widespread, patients are expected to be able to undergo self-treatment at home.“South Koreans are becoming increasingly familiar with VR devices, and even individuals aged 40 to 50 are beginning to adapt to this latest technology. I believe that as they age, an increasing number of people will choose to leverage VR technology to combat Alzheimer’s disease,” said Kang Byung-joo. “Many people consider gaming and similar areas to be the key application sectors for the VR industry, but in my view, its applications in the medical field are equally significant.” 

Reposted from: Virtual Reality Official Account