van der Steen, Willem-Paul Brinkman, E. Vermetten, Mark Neerincx. Multi-modal memory restructuring for patients suffering from combat-related PTSD: a pilot study. Annual review of Cybertherapy and telemedicine 2010, :208-213, 2010. [doi]
The paper discusses the design and evaluation of a multimedia software application which can be used in the treatment of combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The application allows patients and therapist to visualize the patients{^a}{\texteuro}{\texttrademark} past experience using maps and personal photos and stories and self created 3D virtual worlds. The tool aims to allow patients to restructure and relearn about their past experience involving the problematic stressors. Findings of a first experiment with non-patients (N=18) suggests that the tool can facilitate more detailed storytelling. Participants stated that using the application was appealing and enjoyable. Insights were also acquired with a case study of a veteran suffering from combat-related PTSD. This case study showed how a patient uses and interacts with the system in a therapeutic setting.