Psychology is a broad science that explores various mental problems and ways to solve them. A large amount of literature has been written on this topic, and with the development of modern society, this area of research is only expanding. The New York Times article titled “Virtual reality as a therapy for pain,” written by Jane E. Brody, examines how technology such as virtual reality helps individuals cope with difficult times. This article reveals the value and uniqueness of the approach of helping to cope with pain with the help of immersive experience through virtual reality.
The choice of the direction of this article is due to the non-standard nature of the topic raised in it. Often, literary sources, when studying ways to deal with pain, cite more traditional methods, rarely focusing on such innovative technologies as virtual reality. Brody (2019) emphasizes that this approach “totally immerses the patient in an entertaining, relaxing, interactive environment that so occupies the brain, it has no room to process pain sensations at the same time” (para. 1). This multisensory experience helps to reduce pain in individuals and will allow them to feel relief, which is necessary for both physical and psychological well-being.
The uniqueness of the described approach also gives it much functionality. First, it can be used for individuals of all ages. This is because both adults and children suffering from pain syndrome of any nature can be carried away by the introduction into the virtual world. Moreover, virtual reality therapy can be used in conjunction with cognitive therapy in the treatment of patients with treat debilitating chronic pain. The basis of the impact of this therapeutic approach is not the provision of simple games and entertainment. Using the example of one of the patients, it was shown that during a VR session with glasses, individuals receive valuable information about their problem, which fills the brain and does not allow the pain signal to break through (Brody, 2019). In the case of the treatment of minors by a patient, an approach with the image of entertaining games and pictures is used. They are used, for example, in invasive treatment to distract the child from the pain they may experience.
However, do not think that virtual reality therapy is a panacea for helping patients experiencing physical and psychological pain. The article explicitly states that “VR is not a cure – it is an adjunct to other methods that we know work” (Brody, 2019, para. 9). Thus, it may become part of an expensive residual treatment that is not available to all patients. One of the main advantages of the discussed approach, highlighted in the article, is its effectiveness in teaching patients. Thus, it is noted that when using VR technologies, the likeness of information retention is much higher (). In addition, the use of this innovative technology has a retarding effect on the human psyche and brain. In other words, it prevents the admission of pain register stimuli, enabling individuals to have more effective treatment and recovery.
A particularly important and valuable aspect of this article is paying attention to the psychological effect that virtual reality therapy has. For patients with chronic pain, this technology can provide an understanding that their pain is not inevitable and will provide an opportunity to realize that there are approaches to getting rid of it. Thus, they become more motivated and open to any intervention that will contribute to improving their physical and psychological well-being. Further, the article focuses on encouraging and developing mindfulness, which “enhances patients’ ability to come into the moment rather than pay attention to their pain” (Brody, 2019, para. 14). With this method, the human mind develops the ability to reduce the reaction of the body and psyche to pain, which allows treating painful sensations and control emotions soberly.
The topic of using virtual technologies in the treatment of patients with pain syndromes has been studied by other scientists. Hence, Godman (2022) notes that “the FDA authorized the marketing of a prescription home-use VR device to help reduce chronic low back pain” (para. 2). Moreover, this article emphasizes that it promotes mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which enhance the effect of the introduction of innovative technology. Therefore, an increasing number of scientific studies point to the positive contribution of virtual technologies in medicine.
I support the point of view presented in the article that the use of technology can provide significant assistance in the treatment of patients. The use of virtual reality for me seems to be a particularly unique approach, which means an engine in the development of this area. Despite the fact that I do not have access to this kind of technology, in my personal life, I can apply this concept when finding new ways to assist patients. I am interested in the follow-up question that in the case of the full implementation of virtual reality technology in the treatment of patients, how accessible it will be for the lower strata of society.
To draw the conclusion, the use of virtual reality to help patients treat pain is proof of the constant development of the field of medicine and psychology. This connection between the sciences has contributed to the introduction of a technological initiative that helps and educates individuals about the nature of pain, its causes, and methods of struggle. The article written by Jane E. Brody for the New York Times provides valuable insight into how focusing on the psychological state of individuals can help with the treatment of physical pain. This connection between the sciences shows the need for further research in this area and the importance of collaboration between representatives of different spheres to improve the quality of life.
References
Brody, J. E. (2019). Virtual reality as therapy for pain. New York Times. Web.
Godman, H. (2022). Virtual reality for chronic pain relief. Harvard Health Publishing. Web.