Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment with virtual reality exposure for criminal violence: a case study in assault with violence

Exposure to criminal violence is associated with mental health problems, such as depression, substance use and abuse. However, one of the most important psychological problems linked with victims of violence is post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). In Mexico, according to the ENSI-5 in 2009, 11% of the population over 18 years of age experienced a crime. One in four of those who were victims of violence develop PSTD symptoms. Due to this socially relevant problem and based on the efficacy of previous virtual reality (VR) clinical applications for combat-related PSTD, our group developed four VR scenarios to treat victims of criminal violence. Data obtained from a case study of a person who experienced assault with violence showed significant changes through reduced levels of anxiety and PTSD symptoms, illustrating the effectiveness of such treatment.