# How Playing Tetris Can Help Reduce Symptoms of PTSD: A Game-Changing Study
In a groundbreaking new study conducted by Uppsala University, researchers have discovered that a single treatment session, which includes playing the popular video game Tetris, can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings of this study, published in BMC Medicine, have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of PTSD and provide a much-needed solution for healthcare professionals working in high-stress environments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lead by Professor Emily Holmes, an esteemed researcher in the field of PTSD, the study focused on healthcare professionals who were experiencing intrusive memories of trauma. The results were nothing short of remarkable, with participants reporting a significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of their PTSD symptoms even five weeks and six months after a single guided session. This demonstrates the long-lasting and powerful impact that a simple intervention involving video gaming can have on individuals struggling with PTSD.
## Understanding PTSD and the Role of Tetris in Treatment
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is the presence of flashbacks—distressing and intrusive memories of the traumatic event that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Professor Holmes and her team have long been exploring innovative ways to prevent and alleviate PTSD symptoms, and their focus on using visual tasks, such as mental rotation in Tetris, is a game-changer in the field.
The study involved 164 participants who were closely monitored for their flashback episodes before and after the intervention. Half of the participants engaged in playing Tetris, while the control group listened to the radio. The results were astounding, with the gaming group experiencing a dramatic reduction in their flashback episodes compared to the control group. Even six months later, the benefits of the gaming intervention were still evident, with participants reporting fewer and less severe PTSD symptoms.
## The Surprising Effectiveness of a Simple Intervention
Professor Holmes expressed surprise at the effectiveness of the treatment method and the long-lasting improvement in symptoms. She highlighted the fact that a short intervention involving video gaming, without in-depth discussions of trauma with a therapist, could have such profound effects. The study provides compelling evidence that a single guided session can safely and effectively reduce intrusive memories and improve overall PTSD symptoms.
Looking ahead, Professor Holmes envisions a future where tools like the Tetris intervention can be readily available to individuals, especially healthcare professionals, who may be at risk of developing PTSD after traumatic events. She likens this potential intervention to a “cognitive vaccine” that can prevent and treat early PTSD symptoms, offering a proactive approach to mental health care.
## Collaborative Efforts and Promising Results
The research conducted by Uppsala University was the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions from various countries, including Uppsala Clinical Research, Karolinska Institutet, Dalarna University, and institutions from Germany, the UK, and Australia. This global collaboration underscores the importance and impact of the study’s findings on a larger scale.
In a related study funded by MQ, Dr. Jennifer Wild from Oxford University explored a new intervention called SHAPE Recovery to help prevent PTSD in healthcare workers. The results of this study have been highly encouraging, further solidifying the potential of innovative interventions in tackling PTSD and improving mental health outcomes in high-stress environments.
In conclusion, the study from Uppsala University sheds light on the transformative power of simple interventions, such as playing Tetris, in reducing symptoms of PTSD. By harnessing the benefits of video gaming and visual tasks, researchers have opened up new possibilities for treating and preventing PTSD, offering hope and healing to individuals struggling with this debilitating condition. This groundbreaking research paves the way for a future where accessible and effective tools can aid in the early intervention and management of PTSD, ultimately improving the mental well-being of those in need.
