"Avatars ease voices for schizophrenia patients"...... interesting idea. I found this BBC News Health post from May 29th and 30th of this year and found it worth a review. I've also occasionally wondered what the whole idea of alts might do for persons with disassociative or multiple personality disorder, since I had an acquaintance in SL who claimed the use of alts seemed to calm and control this mental health condition for them. Maybe I should google that too. Anyway, here is a little more from the post then go read for yourself if you are interested.
"The trial, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, focused on
patients who had not responded to medication.
Using customised computer software, the patients created avatars to match the
voices they had been hearing.
After up to six therapy sessions most patients said their voice had improved.
Three said it had stopped entirely.
The study was led by psychiatrist emeritus professor Julian Leff, who spoke
to patients through their on-screen avatars in therapy sessions. Gradually he
coached patients to stand up to their voices........"
See more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22691718
and here for more case study and treatment information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22720248
Another group to consider and with whom I've had some experience are transgendered individuals, given an opportunity to explore/roleplay alternate genders. Second Life is amazing.
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