Recently while investigating ways in which to deal with workplace stress, I came across some interesting insights on how video games are being used as therapy to treat those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD refers to a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event, either by experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in the 1980’s by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The addition of PTSD was a shift in understanding psychological trauma because before this time responses to trauma were often viewed as personal failings or weakness. With its recognition by the APA, researchers have continued to study PTSD causes and treatments to better understand how to address those suffering from this trauma.

In 2009, a study lead by by Emily Holmes and her colleagues at Oxford University, revealing that playing Tetris shortly after exposure to a traumatic event could mitigate the development of intrusive memories, a core feature of PTSD. This finding sparked a series of studies investigating the ‘Tetris effect’ in PTSD therapy.

Cognitive Blockade and Memory Reconsolidation

A central element for using Tetris in PTSD therapy lies in its capacity to establish a ‘cognitive blockade.’ This effect becomes particularly significant when a traumatic memory is reactivated, a common occurrence in PTSD. During such reactivation, engaging in playing Tetris acts as a form of interference, disrupting the process of memory reconsolidation. This disruption plays a crucial role in diminishing the intensity and frequency of intrusive memories associated with the trauma. Over time, this leads to a reduction in the overall emotional intensity and intrusiveness of these memories, thus contributing to the alleviation of PTSD symptoms.

The process of memory reconsolidation is integral to how we retain and modify memories based on new information or experiences. In the context of PTSD, where memories of a traumatic event can become overwhelmingly vivid and distressing, intervening during the reconsolidation phase is key. Tetris, with its engaging and visually demanding gameplay, captures the individual’s cognitive resources that would otherwise be used to reinforce these traumatic memories. By diverting these resources, Tetris essentially ‘blocks’ the consolidation of the traumatic memory in its most distressing form, leading to a lessening of PTSD symptoms over time and providing a unique and accessible form of therapeutic intervention.

Neuroplasticity and Brain Remodeling

The therapeutic potential of Tetris in PTSD therapy is further enhanced by the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. PTSD is known to cause negative neuroplastic changes, which include the activation of abnormal neural circuits and shrinkage in specific areas of the brain. These changes can result in the persistent and distressing symptoms typical of PTSD. However, engaging in cognitive tasks such as playing Tetris may encourage positive neuroplastic changes. This process involves the formation of healthier neural pathways, which can gradually help in rewiring the brain’s response to trauma.

Moreover, by engaging in the visuospatial tasks required in Tetris, individuals can stimulate brain areas that might be underactivated due to PTSD. This stimulation can lead to the strengthening of neural pathways that are essential for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Over time, these positive changes in brain activity and structure can counteract the negative effects caused by trauma. Essentially, Tetris and similar cognitive tasks serve not only as a distraction from traumatic memories but also as a tool for brain rehabilitation. This approach represents a non-invasive, easily accessible way to leverage the brain’s natural adaptability to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, highlighting a promising direction for future therapeutic strategies.

Beyond Tetris: Expanding the Video Game Therapy Spectrum

The exploration of video games in PTSD therapy has broadened significantly, moving beyond Tetris to include a diverse array of gaming genres. Recent studies have delved into the therapeutic potential of sports, puzzle, and shooter games. These genres offer unique benefits: sports games enhance teamwork and physical engagement, puzzle games stimulate cognitive skills and problem-solving, and shooter games can provide controlled exposure to stressors. Each type contributes to mental health recovery by providing a mindfulness-like escape, boosting self-confidence, and fostering social connections. This variety ensures a more personalized therapeutic experience, catering to different preferences and recovery needs.

In this evolving landscape, virtual reality (VR) technology emerges as a groundbreaking tool in PTSD therapy. The immersive nature of VR, which engulfs the user in a digitally crafted environment, offers a unique approach to exposure therapy. By simulating realistic, yet controlled and safe, traumatic scenarios, VR allows individuals to confront and process traumatic memories in a therapeutic setting. This method holds immense potential for treating PTSD, offering a more intense and realistic form of therapy that can be precisely tailored to each individual’s experiences. VR’s ability to replicate real-world scenarios in a controlled manner makes it a promising frontier for innovative PTSD treatment strategies.

Individualized Approaches and Varied Responses

The efficacy of video games in treating PTSD is markedly personalized, reflecting the diverse responses of individuals to different gaming experiences. While some may find genres like shooter games triggering, potentially evoking flashbacks or intensifying PTSD symptoms, others might derive significant therapeutic benefits from the same. This variability underscores the critical need for bespoke approaches in video game-based therapy. Tailoring interventions to align with each individual’s specific experiences, sensitivities, and preferences is essential. Such customization not only maximizes the therapeutic potential of these interventions but also ensures a safer and more supportive recovery process for those living with PTSD.

While the therapeutic use of video games in treating PTSD offers a novel and promising avenue, it’s crucial to remember that professional help is paramount. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or other mental trauma, seeking assistance from qualified mental health professionals is essential. The National Center for PTSD is an invaluable resource, offering comprehensive information, support, and guidance for those affected by PTSD. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.