Virtual reality is being used to treat soldiers returning from Iraq with post-traumatic stress disorder, and seems to really help with symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks, reports the BBC.

The immersive system combines realistic street scenes, sounds and odours to allow patients to relive traumatic events in a controlled environment.

During the “exposure therapy”, a clinician determines the intensity of the events the soldier experiences.

The prototype system is currently being trialled in the US but has already successfully treated four volunteers.