Study Shows Tetris Can Reduce PTSD Symptoms in One Treatment Session
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University has demonstrated that a single treatment session involving the video game Tetris can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the way PTSD is treated and provide a more accessible and effective solution for individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Led by Professor Emily Holmes, the study focused on healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic, a group that has been particularly vulnerable to developing PTSD due to the traumatic experiences they have faced. The results of the study, published in BMC Medicine, revealed that a guided treatment session incorporating Tetris led to a reduction in unpleasant and intrusive memories of trauma, as well as other PTSD symptoms.
Holmes emphasized the importance of this finding, stating, “It is possible to reduce the frequency of unpleasant and intrusive memories of trauma, and thereby also alleviate other PTSD symptoms. With just one guided treatment session, we saw positive effects that persisted after five weeks and even six months after treatment. Trauma can affect anyone, and if we can achieve these results with a simple tool like Tetris, we can potentially help many people.”
Understanding PTSD and the Role of Tetris in Treatment
Individuals suffering from PTSD often experience unpleasant and intrusive memories of traumatic events, known as flashbacks. These flashbacks can be overwhelming and disruptive, affecting various aspects of daily life. In the study, participants were asked to monitor their intrusive memories for a week before being randomized into two groups: one group played Tetris with mental rotation, while the other engaged in a non-visual task of listening to the radio.
The concept of mental rotation, central to Tetris gameplay, involves imagining objects from different angles and positions. By engaging in this visual task, participants were able to replace intrusive memories with a different focus, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of flashbacks. The results were promising, with the gaming group experiencing significantly fewer flashbacks compared to the control group.
At the five-week follow-up, participants in the gaming group reported an average of just one flashback per week, while those in the control group had five episodes. Moreover, at the six-month follow-up, the gaming group exhibited less severe symptoms of PTSD, as assessed by a recognized questionnaire commonly used to evaluate PTSD symptoms. These findings highlight the effectiveness of a single guided digital treatment session in reducing intrusive memories and improving overall symptoms of PTSD.
The Potential Impact of Tetris-Based Treatment
Professor Holmes expressed surprise at the effectiveness of the treatment method and the long-lasting improvement in symptoms, noting that such a brief intervention utilizing video games could have a significant impact. She envisions a future where this approach could be used as a preventive tool for healthcare professionals and others at risk of developing PTSD following traumatic events.
“My vision is that one day we will be able to provide a tool for people such as health care professionals after traumatic events to help prevent and treat early PTSD symptoms, that is a ‘cognitive vaccine’, in a similar way that we currently vaccinate against some infectious physical diseases,” explains Holmes.
The study, titled “A guided single session intervention to reduce intrusive memories of work-related trauma: a randomized controlled trial with healthcare workers in the COVID-19 pandemic,” provides valuable insights into the potential of Tetris-based treatment for PTSD. By demonstrating the efficacy of a single treatment session in reducing intrusive memories and alleviating PTSD symptoms, this research paves the way for a new approach to PTSD treatment that is accessible, effective, and innovative.
In conclusion, the study’s findings offer hope for individuals struggling with PTSD and highlight the transformative power of simple interventions like playing Tetris. By harnessing the benefits of mental rotation and visual tasks, individuals can find relief from the grip of traumatic memories and take steps towards healing and recovery. The future of PTSD treatment may indeed be as simple as a game of Tetris.