Clinical Use of Virtual Reality in Addiction

중독 질환에서 가상현실기술 적용의 임상적 유용성

Virtual reality (VR) provides an immersive and interactive 3-dimensional system, which allows an individual to become immersed in a computer-generated situation. VR technology has been administered in the exposure-based treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders, including acrophobia, fear of flight, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, VR systems have also been developed for the use of research and treatment in addiction. They might have advantages in cue exposure therapy, by increasing the salience of cues, as well as assessments of cue reactivity in addiction. This article summarizes the application of VR in the field of psychiatry. More importantly, it suggests the possibilities of clinical use of VR technology, in the treatment of addiction.