WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: It's Not All in Your Head

Virtual reality is helping treat post-traumatic stress disorders stemming from the Iraq war, but developers want to go beyond sights and sounds, to touch and interactivity. Randy Dotinga reports from San Diego.
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The center also uses VR simulations to treat fear of heights.Courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center

See related story: It's Not All in Your Head

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Staff members monitor the vital signs of patients during VR therapy.

Courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center
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Patients afraid of flying sit in actual airplane seats during VR therapy at the Virtual Reality Medical Center.

Courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center
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Therapists treat people with spider phobias by exposing them to spider-filled simulations.

Courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center
Staffers monitor the breathing rate pulse and perspiration of patients as they go through the simulations allowing...

Staffers monitor the breathing rate, pulse and perspiration of patients as they go through the simulations, allowing doctors to pinpoint the triggers for their panic.

Courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center