The virtual reality system EMMA-Childhood in the psychological treatment of a minor with posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Child abuse is mainly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatment of choice for this disorder is considered to be cognitive-behavioral therapy, which uses exposure techniques. This technique is underused in clinical practice on account of both psychologist and patients considering it to be highly aversive and painful. Currently there are several studies supporting the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) in the treatment of PTSD, overcoming some of the limitations of exposure therapy. Dr. C. Botella’s team from the University Jaime I of Castellón, has developed a VR system called «EMMA’s world» with a view to easing the emotional processing of emotions related to post-traumatic reactions in adults. For its use in traumatized children we adapted the EMMA system, called EMMA-Childhood. In this paper we present the VR system, and the treatment protocol (cognitive-behavioral-emotional) that was used based upon this new technology in a minor abuse case study.