Some clinicians are already using Virtual Reality environments to treat people with PTSD, anxiety disorders, phobias and addictive behaviours. Augmented with accurate biofeedback mechanisms, these sorts of treatments could soon be self-administered, removing the need for human doctors and therapists, and even putting an end to the looming mental health crisis.
It is estimated that one in six people experienced a common mental health problem in the last week, while mental health problems are reported to be the main drivers of disability worldwide, causing a cumulative 40 million years of ill health in 20 to 29 year olds. In the UK, the Department of Health has reported that mental ill health accounts for nearly 23% of the entire healthcare burden. Wider economic costs, including the direct costs of services, lost productivity at work and reduced quality of life, are estimated at £105 billion annually…
