Mary Woods
Mary Woods
Virtual Reality Treatment for PTSD
Virtual Reality Treatment for PTSD
Virtual Reality Treatment for PTSD
Monday 9th November 2009
Mary Woods and Dr. Robert Neil McLay discuss Virtual Reality treatment for PTSD and its impact on mental health care on 'One Hour AT A Time'.
57 minutes
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Author:
Mary Woods
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Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Virtual Reality for PTSD: Insights from Dr. Robert Neil McLay
The short answer is that we don't fully understand it yet, but what we do know is that stress physically changes your brain, that this is not just something that is in people's mind, in the sort of metaphysical manifestation of that, but that stress and post-traumatic stress disorder causes physical observable changes in the brain.
Picture yourself on the front lines of a new kind of therapy. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods chats with psychiatrist and research director Robert Neil McLay about an innovative approach to treating PTSD: Virtual Reality (VR). Dr. McLay, whose work spans from the molecular level to clinical applications, brings a wealth of knowledge on how stress affects the brain and the groundbreaking ways VR is being used to help those suffering from PTSD.
Dr. McLay's journey with VR treatment began in the intense environment of Iraq, where he was the first to use this technology to aid combat veterans. He shares fascinating stories from his deployments and explains how VR can recreate traumatic scenarios in a controlled setting, helping patients confront and process their experiences in a safe space. But it's not just about the tech. Mary and Dr.
McLay dive into the broader context of PTSD, discussing its history, from early recognitions on the battlefields to modern understandings. They emphasize the importance of diagnosing and treating dual disorders, and the critical need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. The conversation also touches on resilience and the crucial role of sleep in mental health. Dr.
McLay provides insights into how genetics and medication play into resilience against combat stress, painting a comprehensive picture of PTSD treatment today and its promising future. Whether you're dealing with PTSD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable perspectives on an emerging treatment that could revolutionize mental health care.