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An Oxford University study has discovered that playing Tetris can help reduce the effects of traumatic stress.
According to psychologists from the institution, playing the computer puzzle game after a traumatic event may alter the brain's sensory memories and reduce flashbacks after a trauma.
The objective of the experiment was to try and modify the way in which the brain forms memories after a distressing event.
"This is only a first step in showing that this might be a viable approach to preventing post-traumatic stress disorder," said Dr Emily Holmes of the University's psychiatry department in The Daily Telegraph.
"This was a pure science experiment about how the mind works from which we can try to understand the bigger picture.
"There is a lot to be done to translate this experimental science result into a potential treatment."
During the study, 40 volunteers were shown a film which included traumatic images of injuries with half then sent to play Tetris for ten minutes and the rest left to do nothing. It was observed over the week that the 20 who had played the game experienced fewer flashbacks of the images.
Holmes contended that playing the game helps use the analytical side of the brain, blocking the intake of sensory memories.
"Tetris may work by competing for the brain's resources for sensory information," she said. "We suggest it specifically interferes with the way sensory memories are laid down in the period after trauma and thus reduces the number of flashbacks that are experienced afterwards."
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Technorati tags: Science Games
According to psychologists from the institution, playing the computer puzzle game after a traumatic event may alter the brain's sensory memories and reduce flashbacks after a trauma.
The objective of the experiment was to try and modify the way in which the brain forms memories after a distressing event.
"This is only a first step in showing that this might be a viable approach to preventing post-traumatic stress disorder," said Dr Emily Holmes of the University's psychiatry department in The Daily Telegraph.
"This was a pure science experiment about how the mind works from which we can try to understand the bigger picture.
"There is a lot to be done to translate this experimental science result into a potential treatment."
During the study, 40 volunteers were shown a film which included traumatic images of injuries with half then sent to play Tetris for ten minutes and the rest left to do nothing. It was observed over the week that the 20 who had played the game experienced fewer flashbacks of the images.
Holmes contended that playing the game helps use the analytical side of the brain, blocking the intake of sensory memories.
"Tetris may work by competing for the brain's resources for sensory information," she said. "We suggest it specifically interferes with the way sensory memories are laid down in the period after trauma and thus reduces the number of flashbacks that are experienced afterwards."
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Technorati tags: Science Games
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