USC Institute for Creative Technologies Developing Virtual Afghanistan

The Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) at the University of Southern California is developing a “virtual Afghanistan” computer program as a virtual reality exposure therapy environment to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Institute received funding from the U.S. Army in November 2010. Virtual Afghanistan builds on the Institute’s “virtual Iraq” program, also designed to treat veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The “virtual Iraq” program is a detailed sight and sound simulation that allows patients, with the help of a therapist, to work through PTSD triggers. ICT is also developing a virtual version of Bagram Air Base in . . .