Discuss how virtual reality has been used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Provide an example.
What will be an ideal response?
Anderson, et al (2013) focused on the use of virtual reality in the treatment of social anxiety. They used virtual reality exposure therapy, exposing the person to a social situation that created anxiety for them, but used virtual reality for the exposure rather than a real life situation. An example of the virtual reality situation is described by the researchers “Virtual environments included a virtual conference room (about five audience members), a virtual classroom (35 audience members), and a virtual auditorium (100 + audience members). Therapists could manipulate audience reactions in a number of ways including making them appear interested, bored, supportive, hostile, distracted” (p. 4). One can see the benefit of using this type of technology where the circumstances can be controlled as well as designed to fit the needs of the client (e.g. in this circumstance treating social anxiety).
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Delusions differ from obsessions in that:
a) Obsessions involve feelings and delusions focus on thoughts b) Delusions are more rigid c) Obsessions involve images that violate cultural norms d) Delusions are more idiosyncratic beliefs and perceptions
Empirical evidence supports that a causal relationship exists between:
a. cognitions and psychological distress b. cognitions and psychological well-being c. sociotrophy, autonomy and psychological distress d. none of the above
Carl began showing irritability and difficulty thinking, symptoms of his later diagnosed bipolar disorder, about 14 months before he was first diagnosed. Then, gradually, the number and intensity of symptoms increased. Which of the following best describes Carl?
a. Fourteen months before his diagnosis, he was in the prodromal phase, and he had insidious symptom onset. b. He cannot be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder because his symptom onset was gradual. c. The prodromal symptoms Carl displayed were unusual for those with bipolar disorders. d. Carl should have been diagnosed 14 months ago when the first symptom appeared.
Derek is about to be kicked out of his band for his obnoxious behavior and drunkenness. He doesn't see what the big deal is if he has a drink every now and then. He is most likely in which stage of readiness for change?
a) Precontemplation b) Contemplation c) Preparation d) Action e) Maintenance