Virtual Reality Treatment for Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection

"Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of psychotherapy that uses immersive virtual environments to simulate trauma-related stimuli in a controlled and safe setting, allowing individuals to gradually confront and process distressing memories or triggers.~VRET is grounded in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, a well-established treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders.~In this study, VRET is delivered in 5 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, using a customized VR system.~Sessions are tailored based on participant group (e.g., COVID-19 survivor vs. healthcare worker).~Each session includes psychoeducation, exposure to individualized trauma-related virtual scenes, and guided emotional processing.~The system incorporates eye-tracking, breathing exercises, and real-time subjective distress scaling (SUDs) to monitor engagement and safety."

Face-to-face CBT with exposure elements, targeting trauma-related symptoms. Administered in 5 weekly sessions.

Therapist-led supportive therapy (TAU), focusing on empathy, validation, and emotional support without structured exposure.