Can Computers Cure PTSD?

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have dramatically increased the number of troops who are now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The UK Ministry of Defence has recently run a campaign to raise awareness and de-stigmatise PTSD, but in the US where 300,000 troops are estimated to be affected, the military is ploughing millions into helping veterans cope when returning home from long deployments. The United States military has been experimenting with new technology to help ease the transition from the battlefield back to life at home. Smart phones allow servicemembers to carry a calming device with them at all times, while virtual reality tools help recreate and process traumatic memories.