Sarcouncil Journal of Engineering and Computer Sciences

Abstract: This study examines the efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which affects approximately 5% of U.S. adults annually. While traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective, they are often underutilized due to access barriers. A systematic review of 18 studies, including 13 randomized controlled trials, indicates that VRET significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, achieving a moderate effect size of g = 0.327 compared to control conditions. Follow-up assessments show sustained symptom improvement over time, with effect sizes of g = 0.697 at three months and g = 0.848 at six months. These sustained improvements are particularly relevant as they suggest that VRET can provide long-term benefits essential for managing a condition marked by chronic symptoms and relapses. The clinical significance of these effect sizes is substantial; even moderate reductions in PTSD symptoms can lead to meaningful enhancements in quality of life and functional capacity. The findings highlight VRET's potential to address the chronic nature of PTSD, offering hope for individuals who may struggle with conventional therapies. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool assessed the quality of the randomized controlled trials, considering factors like randomization and blinding. Overall, the results suggest that VRET is a promising alternative or adjunct to traditional therapies, although further research is necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols and explore its long-term efficacy across diverse populations and trauma types.