Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy
The field of treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been a pacesetter for the changing face of psychotherapy, as is illustrated in the introduction of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy. This paper outlines a novel approach that builds on a cognitive-motor interaction in a virtual inter...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2018-01-01
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| Series: | European Journal of Psychotraumatology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1458568 |
| _version_ | 1828065805859815424 |
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| author | Mirjam J. Nijdam Eric Vermetten |
| author_facet | Mirjam J. Nijdam Eric Vermetten |
| author_sort | Mirjam J. Nijdam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The field of treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been a pacesetter for the changing face of psychotherapy, as is illustrated in the introduction of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy. This paper outlines a novel approach that builds on a cognitive-motor interaction in a virtual interactive environment. It is based on the theory of memory reconsolidation and the embodiment of cognition. The framework we envision allows the patient to 'step into the past' by using forward motion as an essential ingredient to augment the impact of exposure to traumatic events. The behavioural response of approaching that is the exact opposite from the avoidance usually applied by patients and the enhancement of divergent thinking are the most prominent hypothesized mechanisms of action. This can contribute to strengthening of personal efficacy and self-reflection that is generated by high emotional engagement, as well as a sense of accomplishment and enhanced recovery as illustrated by a clinical case example. We argue that innovations with personalized virtual reality and motion need to be further investigated and implemented in current therapy settings. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-10T23:20:24Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ea9a64b9fd704d51a571eed7191941aa |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2000-8066 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-10T23:20:24Z |
| publishDate | 2018-01-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | European Journal of Psychotraumatology |
| spelling | doaj.art-ea9a64b9fd704d51a571eed7191941aa2023-01-12T15:31:29ZengTaylor & Francis GroupEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology2000-80662018-01-019110.1080/20008198.2018.14585681458568Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapyMirjam J. Nijdam0Eric Vermetten1Arq Psychotrauma Expert GroupArq Psychotrauma Expert GroupThe field of treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been a pacesetter for the changing face of psychotherapy, as is illustrated in the introduction of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy. This paper outlines a novel approach that builds on a cognitive-motor interaction in a virtual interactive environment. It is based on the theory of memory reconsolidation and the embodiment of cognition. The framework we envision allows the patient to 'step into the past' by using forward motion as an essential ingredient to augment the impact of exposure to traumatic events. The behavioural response of approaching that is the exact opposite from the avoidance usually applied by patients and the enhancement of divergent thinking are the most prominent hypothesized mechanisms of action. This can contribute to strengthening of personal efficacy and self-reflection that is generated by high emotional engagement, as well as a sense of accomplishment and enhanced recovery as illustrated by a clinical case example. We argue that innovations with personalized virtual reality and motion need to be further investigated and implemented in current therapy settings.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1458568posttraumatic stress disorderpsychotherapytherapy process researchvirtual reality treatmentexercise therapytreatment outcometreatment resistance |
| spellingShingle | Mirjam J. Nijdam Eric Vermetten Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy European Journal of Psychotraumatology posttraumatic stress disorder psychotherapy therapy process research virtual reality treatment exercise therapy treatment outcome treatment resistance |
| title | Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy |
| title_full | Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy |
| title_fullStr | Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy |
| title_full_unstemmed | Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy |
| title_short | Moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: innovations to exposure-based therapy |
| title_sort | moving forward in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder innovations to exposure based therapy |
| topic | posttraumatic stress disorder psychotherapy therapy process research virtual reality treatment exercise therapy treatment outcome treatment resistance |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1458568 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mirjamjnijdam movingforwardintreatmentofposttraumaticstressdisorderinnovationstoexposurebasedtherapy AT ericvermetten movingforwardintreatmentofposttraumaticstressdisorderinnovationstoexposurebasedtherapy |