A classic computer game may have a unique ability to help patients who suffer from traumatic flashbacks, according to British researchers.
Tetris is one of the oldest computer games and involves manipulating tumbling shapes.
According to the new findings, it could become part of emergency therapy to help spare witnesses of traumatic events from long-term mental disturbance caused by flashbacks. However researchers say they have to do more work to develop treatments.
Oxford University researchers have published their latest research suggesting that not all computer games have the same effect.
The findings have so far only been tested in laboratory-style circumstances.
In the latest study Tetris was compared with a quiz game, Pub Quiz Machine 2008, in tests involving volunteers.
Problems with flashbacks were simulated by showing disturbing films to volunteers, including some of the most shocking anti drink-driving films. The findings were reported last night in the journal PLoS ONE.
Researcher Dr Emily Holmes, of the university department of psychiatry, said: "Our latest findings suggest Tetris is still effective as long as it is played within a critical six-hour window after viewing a stressful film.
"Whilst playing Tetris can reduce flashback-type memories without wiping out the ability to make sense of the event, we have shown that not all computer games have this beneficial effect – some may even have a detrimental effect on how people deal with traumatic memories.
"Whist this work is still experimental, and any potential treatment is a long way off, we are beginning to understand how intrusive memories/flashbacks are formed after trauma, and how we can use science to explore new preventative treatments."
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