Olfactory Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in the Treatment and Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Rachel S. Herz
Abstract
This perspective piece reviews the clinical condition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is currently increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent research illustrating how olfaction is being incorporated into virtual reality (VR) platforms. I then discuss the latest work examining the potential of olfactory virtual reality (OVR) for the treatment of PTSD. From this foundation I suggest novel ways in which OVR may be implemented in PTSD therapy and harnessed for preventing the development of PTSD. Perceptual and chemical features of olfaction that should be considered in OVR applications are also discussed.
Topics & Concepts
Virtual realityPosttraumatic stressOlfactionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PsychologyPandemicFrontierPerceptionPsychotherapistClinical psychologyMedicineNeuroscienceComputer scienceHuman–computer interactionInfectious disease (medical specialty)ArchaeologyPathologyDiseaseHistoryOlfactory and Sensory Function StudiesVirtual Reality Applications and ImpactsHuman-Animal Interaction Studies