Tetris, PTSD, and a Study Into Improved Trauma Recovery - Access-Ability

Last summer, a lot of gaming websites promised Tetris could treat PTSD. Let's dig into what the study actually said, and the pros and cons of what they learned.

Thank you to Quinn Clark for their help consulting on this video's script.

Edited by Jane Aerith Magnet

[Snowfire]

I love playing Tetris Effect for this specific reason. I can just zone out and relax playing it.

It should also be noted that Tetris Effect is now available on the Nintendo Switch, so that is now portable too.

[DragonNexus]

I was looking forward to this one after seeing Laura's question about versions of Tetris on Twitter.

A fascinating subject well explained

[TheSaraGames]

So much more research needs to be done in not just mental health treatment but also physical treatment and the positive effects that games can have. Doctors are now prescribing as treatment video games for people with arthritis in the hands. I read a short story of homes with recovering addicts using games like Dance Revolution to help in their recovery. I use games as a distraction method for chronic pain. The brain is capable of so much with the right stimuli in helping in some fashion. I hope more and more research is done in the near future to help us all.

[Sandreline]

I've gone through EMDR therapy.

A few days ago I was having a Bad Day, so I turned on Taiko no Tsujin (the rhythm drum game). The notes run vertically across the screen, right to left. As I was playing I noticed my eyes were doing a back and forth motion VERY similar to what happens during EMDR. With the combination of the eye movement, the movement of my hands, and the simplicity of the two-note rhythm game, I could feel my brain start to de-stress in a way that's beyond the normal "doing a fun/relaxing acitivty" calm.

If you're going to play Taiko no Tsujin, pick up a drum controller. The joycon controls are kind of garbage and the drum makes the experiences 1000% better.

Also be aware that the game has tons of microtransactions in the form of new songs.

[mgrah]

I already knew of this study but hearing it more detailed helps me see a lot of the reason why when my PTSD symptoms flair up, I just REALLY crave tetris as one of my coping mechanics.

[anonimoalfin]

Hi Laura! 💖 found your channel through JimQuisition. Very nice vids and host! Important, interesting or urgent subjects, well researched, and nicely explained, in such a wholesome intelligent manner! Kudos for your channel. Regarding "Flow State", I didn't realize before, but you made me realize and I was amazed to think of how it happens, or can happen ideally, through playing music.
[ 01:01 ] That zone where you're thinking, focusing, doing the activity, nailing it "effortlessly", or in such a relaxed manner you're not even realizing you're doing it, can (ideally) happen while playing a musical instrument too. And I think reaching that very specific state of mind (aka "being in the zone, reaching the flow"), would be ideal for music education, and personally it's the goal of a perfect music session when I'm teaching. I just hadn't articulated that on a more conscious rational level, and your explanation helped me shape this idea and understand more this phenomenon. And now i'm wondering how can that play into therapeutic use too, and help music students and professional performers as well. Likes, Subs and hugs to you!

[MrPiptron]

This was really thoughtful and helpful, thank you :)

[JosephLeasure]

I just recieved a diagnosis of PTSD from trauma of an unusual source and this video was very comforting. Thank you, Laura.

[pridefulhippo]

Thank you for making this! I'm in EMDR therapy right now. I don't think this is something I need but I'll definitely mention this to her!

[Stephen-Fox]

Cheers for this video. Very interesting. I'd definitely be interested in more videos of this type in addition to your usual accessibility review, or "Here's an interesting accessibility feature in this specific game, " if you wanted to make more like this.

[kat-vkfp]

As someone who suffers from C-PTSD (and this is the first time I've heard about this) this sounds amzizng and makes so much sense to why I gravitated to it in the past. Maybe when im in a better money situation I can try by tetris effect on switch, might be good while I wait the 6 months to get a therapy appointment

[EviePatamon]

Struck me as strange that Tetris 99 was on screen while you were talking about Tetris Effect on Switch. Apart from that one weird mismatch, this was a really interesting video to watch.

[sadoldguy]

Fascinating. Unfortunately for me, I cannot play games that I cannot play "PERFECTLY". The closest that I can get is grinding in JRPGs.

[HelFrostKara]

guitar hero and rock band were my flow state games... even playing a difficuly song it's all muscle memory. There's a simple joy in music rthymn games.

[rileytimes]

Thank you so much for this! I have heard a bit about this but struggled to understand the articles. Thank you for making this and explaining it in such a great way

[jorvikwitch]

Tetris Effect does have a single-speed mode as well, but it's hidden away in Effect Modes -> Quick Play.
Set the line goal (up to 600) and off you go.
With the music and visuals I love being in a flow state with it, but it may be too distracting for some people.

[megazenn]

Puzzle tetris is way better than regular imo

[nBasedAce]

I have PTSD from emotional abuse growing up and several home invasions I experienced so I zone out to a lot of games. I find it very relaxing.

[Starpotion]

I know it was likely a mistake, but I couldn't help but laugh seeing Tetris 99 footage instead of Tetris Effect. Something tells me that an intense high speed deathmatch with 98 other players out for your blood probably isn't the ideal Tetris experience for recovering from PTSD.

[lizb]

That is interesting. I presume that the mainstream press were much more sensationalised in their reporting.