Untreated PTSD is associated with a range of negative consequences including substance abuse, severe depression, uncontrollable anxiety, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. It can also take a toll on others by leading to greater family strife, greater likelihood of divorce, and increased rates of domestic violence and child abuse. Finding an effective way of treating this condition has the potential to help a significant number of people.

What do patients experience in the virtual reality environment?

a. They simply see a video of combat scenes from the war.
b. They get to control an avatar as it moves through a virtual war.
c. They see, hear, and smell familiar scenes from the war.
d. They see and hear scenes from their training