What is it about?
This study looked at whether virtual reality therapy could help Syrian refugee women in Lebanon who were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing war. Instead of only talking about their memories, participants used virtual reality headsets to safely face and process trauma-related sounds, images, and environments in a controlled way. The goal was to help them feel less trapped by their memories and regain a sense of safety. The results were very promising: most women experienced a big reduction in PTSD symptoms, and many no longer met the criteria for PTSD after treatment. These improvements lasted even six months later. This shows that virtual reality can be an effective new tool for trauma therapy, especially for refugees and others who may not usually have access to mental health care.
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Why is it important?
Millions of refugees live with the lasting effects of war, and many cannot access or do not feel comfortable with traditional mental health care. This study shows that virtual reality can open new doors to treatment, making therapy more engaging, less stigmatizing, and easier to deliver in humanitarian settings. It is the first study of its kind for civilian refugees, offering hope that innovative tools like VR can bring healing to communities often left behind.
Perspectives
This is the first study in the world to use virtual reality to treat PTSD in civilian refugees. For me, it represents a pioneering step toward a new future for mental health, one where technology can be used to heal in ways that are more accessible, less stigmatizing, and deeply human. Healing is never easy, but finding new ways to support people who have been through war and displacement is not only important, it’s necessary. I believe this work shows that mental health care can evolve, and that innovation can bring hope to communities that have carried trauma for too long.
Timotaos Basmaji
Independent Researcher
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Virtual reality exposure therapy for chronic war-related posttraumatic stress disorder in Syrian refugee women: A mixed methods pilot study., Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, September 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tra0002015.
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