Virtual reality exposure therapy for chronic war-related posttraumatic stress disorder in Syrian refugee women: A mixed methods pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally adapted virtual reality exposure therapy program for Syrian refugee women with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD: A mixed methods pilot study was conducted with eight Syrian refugee women (aged 25-60) in Lebanon. Participants completed a 13-session virtual reality exposure therapy intervention delivered in three phases: auditory triggers, audiovisual simulations, and immersive 360° war-related environments. PTSD symptoms were assessed pre and postintervention using the validated Arabic PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) supplemented by qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (mean PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition decrease: 30.75 points, p < .001, d = 2.89). Six out of eight participants achieved subclinical PTSD levels posttreatment. Symptom reductions persisted at 6-month follow-up (p < .001). Qualitative themes highlighted improved emotional regulation, reduced hypervigilance, and challenges with claustrophobia during immersion.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that virtual reality exposure therapy is a promising, scalable, and culturally sensitive intervention for trauma-exposed refugee populations. Future research with larger randomized trials is warranted to confirm efficacy and improve accessibility in humanitarian settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).