Virtual Medicine Home Page

VIRTUAL REALITY HYPNOSIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF POST TRAUMATIC ACUTE STRESS DISORDER: CASE STUDY ON A BURNED, BALI BOMBING SURVIVOR

Abstract:
A burned, Bali bombing survivor developed Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) following admission to hospital. Virtual Reality Hypnosis (VRH) was provided as an adjunct to existing therapy. Patient reports indicate that VRH prevented insomnia, panic episodes, nightmares and feelings of depression. Staff reports indicate that VRH reduced analgesic requirements, and reduced patient calls for nursing assistance. Sequential psychiatric assessment revealed reduced symptoms of anxiety, panic and negative cognitions.
(Submitted for publication)

THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY TO AMELIORATE SYMPTOMS AND DISTRESS IN A HOSPICE POPULATION
B Lowe, P Martin
Caritas Christi Hospice, St. Vincent’s Health, Melbourne

This study examined whether immersive virtual reality (IVR) can serve as an effective non-pharmacologic analgesic, distraction and method of amelioration for common symptoms presenting within the domain of psycho-oncology. The study was conducted across two campuses of a hospice service located in inner metropolitan Melbourne. Five patients were exposed to an average of three sessions each of IVR. A significant component of the intervention was repeated suggestions of relaxation and calm culminating in the delivery of a coping strategy to minimize intensity of distress. For each of the virtual reality sessions, patient self reported pain levels, both subsequent to, and immediately after intervention, served as the dependent variables. Frequency of patient requests for breakthrough medication was also included as a dependent measure. Quality of life data including a measure of sleep disturbance was also recorded. Although sample size in this instance limits the statistical power of the study it appears that a durable treatment effect for IVR was evident following termination of the treatment condition. The results provide preliminary evidence that virtual reality can function as a non-pharmacological treatment and effective distraction technique for patients experiencing common psycho-oncology symptoms in an inpatient palliative care setting. Practical implications will be discussed.
(Poster presented at World Congress on Pain 2006)

A Case Study of the use of Virtual Reality Hypnosis in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract
The use of a “virtual reality” hypnotherapeutic procedure was trialled (4 sessions over 2 weeks) with 2 boys (aged 14 and 15 years old) to determine if it was effective in reducing anxieties and/or alleviating any symptoms associated with their autism. Results indicated that the procedure had no effect on autistic symptoms. Nevertheless, the parents of both boys reported that their son enjoyed the sessions, was attentive and relaxed throughout and that they would pursue this treatment if it were available. Furthermore, they indicated that they believed it was an effective technique to gain their son’s attention, and this, combined with the fact that the boys found it enjoyable and engaging, led them to believe there is significant potential for this particular treatment modality.
(Submitted for publication)

Virtual Reality Hypnosis Reduces Preoperative Anxiety in Pediatric Reconstructive Burn Patients

Introduction
Children who require numerous surgical procedures often develop severe preoperative anxiety. This is especially true in children with burns who may associate reconstructive surgery with painful postoperative events . Preoperative anxiety is stressful for the child and distressing for the parents; alleviation of this stress may be beneficial psychologically as well as physically. Postoperative regression, nightmares, separation anxiety, eating problems and fear of physicians have been related to preoperative anxiety in children , , . Various pharmaceutical regimens to reduce preoperative anxiety have been devised; however, variable patient response and side effects often limit the efficacy of this approach. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention with increased suggestibility. Hypnosis has been found to be more effective than midazolam for reducing preoperative anxiety in children undergoing lower abdominal procedures. The effect of hypnosis on the preoperative anxiety levels in children undergoing reconstructive burn surgery has not been studied.

We report on the use of a novel Virtual Reality Hypnosis device (VRH) to induce a preoperative hypnotic state in pediatric patients scheduled for elective burn reconstruction. We compared the efficacy of VRH with that of a standard preoperative medication in the reduction of preoperative anxiety.
(Submitted for publication)

EEG correlates of Virtual Reality Hypnosis

Introduction
Two of the central questions explored by psychophysiological research into hypnosis are whether electrocortical differences exist to distinguish an alert state from a hypnotic state, and whether high and low hypnotizable individuals exhibit psychophysiological
differences after a hypnotic induction (Ray, 1997). In recent years, the hypnosis literature has seen several psychophysiological findings published exploring these questions.Analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency bands, and measures of frontal attentional processes have been implicated in distinguishing baseline from hypnosis, and individuals of high and low hypnotic susceptibility. The present study further addressed these recent findings in the hypnosis literature.
(Accepted for publication)