Another Abstract

Sue Halpern's article "Virtual Iraq" focused on how virtual reality immersion therapy may have significant effects on treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many soldiers suffering from PTSD didn't want to accept therapy, until it was presented to them in the form of VR, a video game that they could relate to. In fact Virtual Iraq was developed from the video game Full Spectrum Warrior. So far the program has shown success in treating patients of PSTD. The premise for this therapy is a simple one, "The idea is to disconect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event still remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear backfiring... are restored to insignificance." In the article, a man named Travis Boyd undergoes this thearpy.

Halpern uses personal experiences to support her claims that VR therapy is effective and powerful. She experienced Virtual Iraq herself as well as witnessed others such as an actor researching a role trying out the device. She also interviewed Travis, who was able to get over his insomia and feelings of guilt about the death of a squad memer through the therapy. She also cites various numbers and figures about the percentage of patients showing results from the various trials of Virtual Iraq. Halpern assumes that the reader is familiar with the nature of the war in Iraq and how stressful a situation it is, and other traumatic events such as 9/11 as well.