A single treatment session, which incorporates the video game Tetris, can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has been shown in a brand new study carried out with healthcare professionals working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is led by researchers at Uppsala University and is published in BMC Medicine.
“It is feasible to cut back the frequence of unpleasant and intrusive memories of trauma, and thereby also alleviate other PTSD symptoms. With only one guided treatment session, we saw positive effects that endured after five weeks and even six months after treatment. Trauma can affect anyone. If this effect might be achieved with an on a regular basis tool that features video gaming, it could possibly be an accessible approach to help many individuals,” explains Emily Holmes, Professor at Uppsala University who led the study.
The hallmark symptom of PTSD is unpleasant and intrusive memories of a traumatic event in the shape of mental images — typically generally known as flashbacks. Other symptoms may include avoidance, excessive tension and problems corresponding to difficulty sleeping and concentrating. Holmes and her colleagues have been researching tips on how to prevent PTSD for a very long time. In the present study, the researchers focused on eliminating flashbacks. By replacing intrusive memories using a visible task, other PTSD symptoms may also be reduced.
Mental rotation using Tetris
The treatment is predicated on what’s generally known as mental rotation, which lies at the guts of Tetris. Whenever you have a look at an object from one angle, you’ll be able to imagine what it will seem like if it were rotated to a distinct position and could possibly be seen from a distinct angle.
The study involved 164 participants (see fact box). All participants monitored their intrusive memories of trauma for per week. After that they were randomised to certainly one of two conditions. Half the group were asked to play Tetris with mental rotation. The opposite half, the control group, was given a non-visual task: listening to the radio. All participants kept a diary about their flashbacks. At first of the study, participants were experiencing a mean of 15 flashbacks per week. At a five-week follow-up, participants within the control group had a mean of 5 episodes per week, but those within the gaming group had a mean of only one.
At a follow-up six months after treatment, participants within the gamling group had less severe symptoms of PTSD. In an assessment using a recognised questionnaire (PCL-5) often used to evaluate all PTSD symptoms, the gaming group experienced around half as many as problems because the control group.
“It was surprising to us that the treatment method was so effective and that the advance in symptoms lasted for six months. I realise that it could appear unlikely that such a brief intervention, which incorporates video games but doesn’t include an in-depth discussion of trauma with a therapist, could help. However the study provides scientifically controlled evidence that a single guided digital treatment session can reduce the variety of intrusive memories, and that it will probably be used safely by participants,” she continues.
“Cognitive vaccination”
“My vision is that at some point we’ll give you the chance to offer a tool for people corresponding to healthcare professionals after traumatic events to assist prevent and treat early PTSD symptoms,that may be a ‘cognitive vaccine’, in an identical way that we currently vaccinate against some infectious physical diseases” explains Holmes.
The research was conducted in collaboration with colleagues at Uppsala Clinical Research and Karolinska Trials Alliance, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Dalarna University, Sophiahemmet University, Ambulance Services in Region Västerbotten, the University of Münster (Germany), P1Vital (UK) and the University of Latest South Wales, UNSW (Australia).
