The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms among patients who are traumatized due to Beirut explosion

Abstract

Traumatic incidents have the potential to impact individuals both mentally andphysically. Numerous research investigations have demonstrated the potential efficacy ofVirtual Reality exposure therapy in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). The primary aim of this research is to comprehend how VR exposure therapyinfluences the reduction of PTSD severity among patients who experienced Beirut PortExplosion on August 4, 2020. This was achieved by measuring the sample's severity ofPTSD symptoms using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 past monthversion (CAPS-5) pre and post VR exposure therapy. The sample was chosen from a centerlocated in Beirut. The sample consisted of two groups; experimental group and controlgroup. The experimental group consisted of 10 patients, while the control group consisted of4 patients. The findings revealed a significant alteration in the severity of PTSD symptomswithin the experimental group following the implementation of VRET intervention, incontrast to a negligible change in the severity of PTSD symptoms observed in the controlgroup, which did not undergo VRET intervention.