In an article published in The Conversation, researchers have shown that the game Tetris can be beneficial in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, under certain conditions.
- Studies have shown that playing Tetris for about 20 minutes in the hours following a traumatic event can help reduce intrusive memories related to post-traumatic stress.
- According to researchers, the game Tetris can be used as part of a treatment strategy by a healthcare professional.
- However, gaming alone is not enough to reduce symptoms and it is not effective on all patients.
Many Tetris players say this famous 1985 video game helped them combat traumatic memories. But what does the scientific community say about it? Daniel Bressington and David A. Mitchell of Charles Darwin University took stock in The Conversation on studies concerning this game where you have to create lines by stacking pieces.
Tetris helps combat intrusive thoughts
The game Tetris and its effects on post-traumatic stress disorder have questioned researchers for several years. A study from the University of Oxford, published in 2009, showed that people who played a game for 10 minutes after watching a traumatic film had three times fewer intrusive thoughts than the “non-Tetris” group during the course. of the following week. The authors then argued that playing Tetris “When the brain tries to store visual memories, it overloads its capacity and “distracts” the visual memory circuits”. This would lead to reducing the recurrence of unwanted memories associated with the trauma.
“While encouraging, this initial research was conducted in a highly controlled setting and may not apply in the real world”recall the two Australian researchers.
However, other work has also highlighted beneficial effects in certain specific cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. They determined that playing Tetris helps reduce symptoms in women who have gone through traumatic childbirth, people involved in vehicle accidents, war refugees and veterans.
According to the data collected, Tetris can also promote the reactivation of memories of historical trauma as part of therapeutic work with a psychologist, and lead to a reduction in intrusive thoughts and distress.
Post-traumatic stress: playing Tetris is not enough
So, would it be enough to play Tetris at home for 20 minutes to overcome trauma and anxiety? For the two researchers, it is not so simple. These studies were carried out in the laboratory and with the support of a professional. There is no evidence that playing alone is effective against post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Remember that Tetris is not a panacea for trauma. Intrusive memories are not completely eradicated by playing the game and post-traumatic stress disorder includes several symptoms that will not improve through gameplay. If If someone is experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, they probably need professional help.”conclude the two researchers.