Virtual reality for neuropsychological diagnosis and rehabilitation: a survey

Recently the considerable potential of virtual reality has been recognized for the scientific study, diagnosis and treatment in the field of mental healthcare. It provides a unique opportunity to provide a natural interface and to mimic actual challenges faced by impaired subjects in their lives. In spite of certain limitations, some work has emerged which provides guidelines for future research efforts. A shortlist of such applications includes assessment and treatment of phobias; obsessive compulsive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders and hyperactive attention deficit syndromes. We highlight these recent and ongoing research projects and compare this unique paradigm with conventional nonVR techniques by discussion of potential benefits and possible shortcomings. Due to the nature of research, ethical and human factors cannot be over emphasized. We also describe the limitations of VR in the field of practical psychology as media hype has over sold its potential. With recent advances in technology, it is not unrealistic to hope that VR will soon be a part of a clinician's armoury.