[조수완 하이닥 건강의학기자] Clinical trials have shown that the video game Tetris can be very effective in reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results of this study (A guided single session intervention to reduce distressing memories of work-related trauma) were published in the international medical journal ‘BMC Medicine’.
A research team at Uppsala University in Sweden studied how playing Tetris affected the frequency of flashbacks in 164 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Here, flashbacks refer to a symptom in which unpleasant and traumatic memories of a traumatic event suddenly arise.
The researchers divided the participants into two groups, with one group playing Tetris and the other group listening to the radio. For both groups, relapse frequency was recorded in the first week of the study, and changes in associated symptoms were measured through follow-up studies at weeks 5 and 6 months.
The study found that the group that played Tetris had a backlash from an average of 15 times a week initially to once a week after five weeks. On the other hand, the group that listened to the radio went down to an average of 5 times a week in the same period.
Even after 6 months of study, the results of the ‘PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)’ questionnaire showed that the Tetris group reported about half the frequency of symptoms compared to the control group. The researchers said, “This short treatment was highly effective, and it was particularly impressive that the symptom relief effect lasted for six months. “
Professor Emily A. Homes, corresponding author of the study, said, “This therapy replaces the trauma with a visual activity, rather than just playing a game, to relieve memories unpleasant,” says, “Through this, the main symptoms of PTSD are reduced. He explained, “You can see the treatment effect relatively simply by reducing it. “
The researchers compared this method to a ‘cognitive vaccine’ and said, “We believe that short-term treatment, including video games, can reduce long-term post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.” significantly reduce time without requiring an in-depth consultation with a professional therapist. “
Soo-wan Jo, Hidoc Health and Medical Reporter [email protected]
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