Skip to main content
Book cover

Digital Health pp 123–137Cite as

Augmenting Behavioral Healthcare: Mobilizing Services with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Part of the Health Informatics book series (HI)

Abstract

From tools for hunting and harvesting and monumental inventions of the industrial revolution that have propelled us into today’s ubiquitous information-age, innovative technologies and technological applications have transformed human-based experience. Abounding seemingly overnight, advanced technological applications have revolutionized the healthcare industry by mobilizing treatment and intervention services. While the advent of technologically driven mobile healthcare may appear to some as an emerging field, researchers, clinicians, and practitioners have been implementing contemporary technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), into their mental healthcare practices for over two decades. Clinically validated treatments for anxiety, phobias, pain distraction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress management and prevention, and rehabilitation are only a handful of ways that this immersive technology transforms behavioral healthcare. Via immersive environments, clinicians are better able to expose patients to feared stimuli than traditional imaginal techniques, providing greater effectiveness in treatments and significant improvements in patients’ overall wellbeing. Additionally, the mobilization of healthcare to smartphones and other devices facilitates the migration of services beyond the walls of the traditional doctor’s office and into the homes and everyday lives of those who need it most. Ultimately, innovative applications by researchers, clinicians, and practitioners prove VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies as effective, efficient, and widely accessible tools in mental healthcare interventions.

Keywords

  • Virtual reality
  • Augmented reality
  • Behavioral healthcare
  • Advanced technologies
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Phobia
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Stress management
  • Rehabilitation

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

References

  • Anderson PL, Price M, Edwards SM, Obasaju MA, Schmertz SK, Zimand E, Calamaras MR. Virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2013;81(5):751.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bagalman E. Suicide, PTSD, and substance use among OEF/OIF veterans using VA health care: facts and figures. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailenson JN, Blascovich J, Beall AC, Loomis JM. Interpersonal distance in immersive virtual environments. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2003;29(7):819–33.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Botella C, Banos R, Guillén V, Perpiñá C, Alcañiz M, Pons A. Telepsychology: public speaking fear treatment on the internet. Cyberpsychol Behav. 2000;3(6):959–68.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Botella C, Riva G, Gaggioli A, Wiederhold BK, Alcaniz M, Banos RM. The present and future of positive technologies. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2012;15(2):78–84.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bowman DA, McMahan RP. Virtual reality: how much immersion is enough? Computer. 2007;40(7):36–43.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • de Quervain D, Bentz D, Michael T, Bolt OC, Wiederhold BK, Margraf J, Wilhelm FH. Glucocorticoids enhance extinction-based psychotherapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2011;108(16):6621–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Facts & Statistics|Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA [Internet]. Adaa.org. 2016. http://www.adaa.org/aboutadaa/press-room/facts-statistics.

  • Gaggioli A, Pallavicini F, Morganti L, Serino S, Scaratti C, Briguglio M, Crifaci G, Vetrano N, Giulintano A, Bernava G, Tartarisco G, Wiederhold B, Riva G. Experiential virtual scenarios with real-time monitoring (interreality) for the management of psychological stress: a block randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res. 2014;16(7):167.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Gorini A, Riva G. The potential of virtual reality as anxiety management tool: a randomized controlled study in a sample of patients affected by generalized anxiety disorder. Trials. 2008;9(1):1.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Gorini A, Pallavicini F, Algeri D, Repetto C, Gaggioli A, Riva G. Virtual reality in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2010;154:39–43.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirose M, Schmalstieg D, Wingrave CA, Nishimura K. Higher levels of immersion improve procedure memorization performance. Proceedings of the 15th Joint Virtual Reality Eurographics Conference on Virtual Environments, 2009, pp. 121–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee JH, Ku J, Cho W, Hahn WY, Kim IY, Lee SM, Kang Y, Kim DY, Yu T, Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. A virtual reality system for the assessment and rehabilitation of the activities of daily living. Cyberpsychol Behav. 2003;6(4):383–8.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li A, Montaño Z, Chen VJ, Gold JI. Virtual reality and pain management: current trends and future directions. Pain. 2011;1(2):147–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLay RN, McBrien C, Wiederhold MD, Wiederhold BK. Exposure therapy with and without virtual reality to treat PTSD while in the combat theater: a parallel case series. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2010;13(1):37–42.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McLay RN, Wood DP, Webb-Murphy JA, Spira JL, Wiederhold MD, Pyne JM, Wiederhold BK. A randomized, controlled trial of virtual reality-graded exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in active duty service members with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011;14(4):223–9.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mosso-Vázquez JL, Gao K, Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Virtual reality for pain management in cardiac surgery. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014;17(6):371–8.

    CrossRef  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mott J, Bucolo S, Cuttle L, Mill J, Hilder M, Miller K, Kimble RM. The efficacy of an augmented virtual reality system to alleviate pain in children undergoing burns dressing changes: a randomised controlled trial. Burns. 2008;34(6):803–8.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mousavi M, Jen YH, Musa SN. A review on cybersickness and usability in virtual environments. Adv Eng Forum. 2013;10:34.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Mühlberger A, Wieser MJ, Kenntner-Mabiala R, Pauli P, Wiederhold BK. Pain modulation during drives through cold and hot virtual environments. Cyberpsychol Behav. 2007;10(4):516–22.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owens ME, Beidel DC. Can virtual reality effectively elicit distress associated with social anxiety disorder? J Psychopathol Behav Assess. 2015;37(2):296–305.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Pallavicini F, Gaggioli A, Raspelli S, Cipresso P, Serino S, Vigna C, Grassi A, Morganti L, Baruffi M, Wiederhold B, Riva G. Interreality for the management and training of psychological stress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2013;14(1):1.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Powers MB, Emmelkamp PM. Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord. 2008;22(3):561–9.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Psotka J. Immersive training systems: virtual reality and education and training. Instruct Sci. 1995;23(5-6):405–31.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Reeves D, Elsmore T, Wiederhold MD, Wood D, Murphy J, Center C, Spira J, Wiederhold BK. Handheld computerized neuropsychological assessment in a virtual reality treatment protocol for combat PTSD. Annual review of cybertherapy and telemedicine, vol. 5. Washington, DC: IOS Press; 2007. p. 151–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riva G, Raspelli S, Algeri D, Pallavicini F, Gorini A, Wiederhold BK, Gaggioli A. Interreality in practice: bridging virtual and real worlds in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2010;13(1):55–65.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riva G, Banos RM, Botella C, Wiederhold BK, Gaggioli A. Positive technology: using interactive technologies to promote positive functioning. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2012;15(2):69–77.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salva AM, Alban AJ, Wiederhold MD, Wiederhold BK, Kong L. Physiologically driven rehabilitation using virtual reality. International Conference on Foundations of Augmented Cognition. Berlin: Springer; 2009a. p. 836–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salva AM, Wiederhold BK, Alban AJ, Hughes C, Smith E, Fidopiastis C, Wiederhold MD. Cognitive therapy using mixed reality for those impaired by a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Annual review of cybertherapy and telemedicine, 2009. Advanced technologies in the behavioral, social, and neurosciences, vol. 144. Washington, DC: IOS Press; 2009b. p. 253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vázquez JL, Rizzo S, Wiederhold B, Lara V, Flores J, Espiritusanto E, Minor A, Santander A, Avila O, Balice O, Benavides B. Cybertherapy--new applications for discomfort reductions. Surgical care unit of heart, neonatology care unit, transplant kidney care unit, delivery room-cesarean surgery and ambulatory surgery, 27 case reports. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2006;125:334–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vázquez JL, Santander A, Mosso JL, Gao K, Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Using cybertherapy to reduce postoperative anxiety in cardiac recovery intensive care units. J Anesth Clin Res. 2013;4:363.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK. Conquering panic, anxiety and phobias: achieving success through virtual reality and cognitive-behavioral therapy. San Diego, CA: Virtual Reality Medical Center; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK. New tools to enhance posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis and treatment: invisible wounds of war. Washington, DC: NATO Science for Peace and Security Series-E: Human and Societal Dynamics, IOS Press; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Bouchard S. Virtual reality for posttraumatic stress disorder. Advances in virtual reality and anxiety disorders. New York, NY: Springer; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. A new approach: using virtual reality psychotherapy in panic disorder with agoraphobia. Psychiatric Times. 2003;20(7).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Virtual reality therapy for anxiety disorders: advances in evaluation and treatment. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; 2005.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Virtual reality with fMRI: a breakthrough cognitive treatment tool. Virtual Real. 2008;12(4):259–67.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Virtual reality treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder due to motor vehicle accident. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2010;13(1):21–7.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. Managing pain in military populations with virtual reality. In: Pain syndromes—from recruitment to returning troops, B. Wiederhold (editor), vol. 91. Washington, DC: NATO Science for Peace and Security Series-E: Human and Societal Dynamics, IOS Press; 2012. p. 75–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Wiederhold MD. A continuum of care: virtual reality as treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other pain syndromes. Int Rev Armed Forces Med Serv. 2014a;87(3):47–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold MD, Wiederhold BK. A continuum of care: pre-deployment medical and tactical stress inoculation training using virtual reality. Int Rev Armed Forces Med Serv. 2014b;87(3):39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Riva G, Graffigna G. Ensuring the best care for our increasing aging population: health engagement and positive technology can help patients achieve a more active role in future healthcare. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2013;16(6):411–2.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold MD, Gao K, Wiederhold BK. Clinical use of virtual reality distraction system to reduce anxiety and pain in dental procedures. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014a;17(6):359–65.

    CrossRef  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Riva G, Wiederhold MD. How can virtual reality interventions help reduce prescription opioid drug misuse? Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014b;17(6):331–2.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Gao K, Sulea C, Wiederhold MD. Virtual reality as a distraction technique in chronic pain patients. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014c;17(6):346–52.

    CrossRef  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Gao K, Kong L, Wiederhold MD. Mobile devices as adjunctive pain management tools. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014d;17(6):385–9.

    CrossRef  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wiederhold BK, Soomro A, Riva G, Wiederhold MD. Future directions: advances and implications of virtual environments designed for pain management. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014e;17(6):414–22.

    CrossRef  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yuen EK, Herbert JD, Forman EM, Goetter EM, Comer R, Bradley JC. Treatment of social anxiety disorder using online virtual environments in second life. Behav Ther. 2013;44(1):51–61.

    CrossRef  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interactive Media Institute, Virtual Reality Medical Center, 6540 Lusk Blvd., Suite C115, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA

    Brenda K. Wiederhold, Ian Miller & Mark D. Wiederhold

Authors
  1. Brenda K. Wiederhold
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ian Miller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mark D. Wiederhold
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brenda K. Wiederhold .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA

    Homero Rivas

  2. University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Katarzyna Wac

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Wiederhold, B.K., Miller, I., Wiederhold, M.D. (2018). Augmenting Behavioral Healthcare: Mobilizing Services with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. In: Rivas, H., Wac, K. (eds) Digital Health. Health Informatics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61446-5_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61446-5_9

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-61445-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-61446-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)