A controlled trial for PTSD in mexican victims of criminal violence

One of most important psychological repercussions associated with victims of criminal violence is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In Mexico, 11 percent of the population over 18 years has experienced a crime. In particular, Ciudad Juarez has been a long-term devastated site because of drug traffic problems and the consequences related, leading the population to a hopeless sense of fear and insecurity. Based on the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) treatments for PTSD, this paper presents preliminary efficacy data in a controlled study of virtual reality treatment for PTSD for criminal violence. Twenty participants, aged between 18 and 65, diagnosed with PTSD were randomly assigned to a virtual reality prolonged exposure treatment group or an imaginal prolonged exposure treatment group. Treatment was delivered in 12, 90-minute individual sessions conducted twice a week. Five VR models were used for PTSD exposure therapy. Data confirm that VR prolonged exposure technique was effective in reducing clinical levels of PTSD, and participants reported a preference and acceptance for this innovative intervention.