abstract numero tres

Sue Halpern's article, "Virtual Iraq" is one that aims to describe a new method of treating post traumatic stress disorder, better known as PTSD. PTSD is hard to treat and many "therapies that we've seen don't seem to be working" (Kolbert 118). With almost 20% of war verterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from this disease, the need for a successful treatment is eminent. Halpern offers this new kind of treatment that is based off of old psychological theories and the Virtual Vietnam, which was the first program of its time invented by Jarrell Pair. The Virtual Iraq, created by Albert Rizzo, is a simulation, video game-esque alternate reality that allows a patient to experience a time of trauma over and over again until they have been desensitized. Halpern notes that it must be supervised by a trained therapist who will warn the patient when they will deploy more sounds or more airplanes. This process is called habituation and the video game aspect of this treatment places the patient in a more comfortable environment in which they are not embarrassed, ashamed or overwhelmed. However, it still forces them to face the fear and anxiety that lie in these events. Halpern tells the story of Travis Boyd as an example of a PTSD success story who at first, could not even drive off base by himself. Although the road to creating such a treatment was difficult because of funding and skepticism, it has helped those like Travis Boyd enjoy life again. Halpern makes a strong argument in favor of Virtual Iraq, however she assumes that because of culture today, that a virtual reality treatment would be acceptable. However, this "video game" may only attract younger veterans as appose to the older ones aversive to the idea of a virtual reality.