Virtual Reality therapy for schizophrenia

Stumbled across this in a Korean newspaper and thought it was fascinating:

"Matrix" Treatment for Schizophrenia

A patient with schizophrenia, Mr. Park (26 years old), has lived for three entire years stuck in his room without going outside. He is afraid of meeting and having a conversation with people. He is unable to pay attention to one thing, even for a short moment. He found difficulty in the simulation rehabilitation program for social adaptation as well, so a doctor prescribed him "virtual reality therapy."

Mr. Park put on a display helmet at a schizophrenia clinic that uses virtual reality therapy. The dark vision suddenly brightened and three-dimensional images appeared in Park's sight. The doctor sets up the situation by monitoring both the patient and the simulation monitor. The first basic training step--[approaching] a virtual figure and initiating a conversation--begins.

Mr. Park pushes the "walking" button and approaches a cyber figure. As he [approaches] too close, a voice message plays out, "I am afraid you came too close." He walks a few steps backward and keeps a proper amount of space between them. Then, Mr. Park shows hesitance in the next step: pushing the "talking" button. Ultimately, the virtual figure starts to talk to the patient first.

The next simulation step is to check whether an empty chair has been taken or not. As soon as Mr. Park's cyber figure sits in the chair without confirming its availability, a person who has taken the seat previously shows up and gets angry with him. On his second trial he opts to use the button, "Waiting until a person shows up," then a group of cyber figures nearby who want to sit in the chair send him uncomfortable [signals].

I just thought it was kind-of cool. A great way to use that technology; it gives the patient the practice without the fear of actual interaction and subsequent miscue or rejection.