Most of us have a family member or know someone who was active in the armed forces. Often times these loved ones return home with more baggage than any of us could imagine. One in three returning troops are being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress symptoms (The Statistics). Many researchers are claiming that video games can help treat PTSD. Sure, a friendly game of Tetris or Pac-Man does not sound too harmful, but what about violent video games? Veterans with PTSD can be extremely sensitive to visuals and audios which resemble a war-like atmosphere. Today there are tons of video games about war or that contain heavy violence. These ‘stellar’ effects could trigger traumatic memories and flashbacks (Lucario). Could these video games be further
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This is why an alarming amount of returning soldiers and veterans are diagnosed with PTSD. The living conditions during war are brutal, daunting, and extremely violent. The standard treatment method for PTSD is antidepressant medication and therapy. However, new studies are showing that video games are quicker and more effective than some antidepressants such as escitalopram (Lynch). In another study, researchers showed 52 subjects videos of graphic car accidents and drownings. The following day they showed them still frames from the videos. Then half of the group was asked to take a small break and play Tetris, while the other half sat quietly. The following week the Tetris players reported far fewer flashbacks than the other group. (Kime) This study is interesting because the researchers chose to expose their subjects to graphic material and then try to ease the ‘trauma’ with a lighthearted video game. I am not convinced the evidence from this study could really be used to back up the theory that video games should be used to help treat PTSD. Soldiers are usually exposed to trauma for numerous months and years, while these test subjects were only exposed for a few hours tops. While there is no evidence of PTSD drastically dropping because of video games, I do think that many could benefit from them. The nonviolent video games could be therapeutic and help distract their brains …show more content…
Posttraumatic stress disorder has affected one in three returning troops and shows no signs of stopping (The Statistics). While we cannot do anything to cure PTSD today, there are a few methods to help cope with the burdens of this disorder. Obviously patients should seek out help immediately by contacting a physician. They will then most likely be prescribed an antidepressant and will be encouraged to see a therapist. Many receive help by talking through their struggles, so some patients may benefit from group therapy as well. Along with these typical methods, new studies suggest patients play video games to help ease their minds. Quick video games or brain teasers could help alleviate stress and temporarily distract the mind from traumatic memories. Let’s help our veterans to end their fight by encouraging them to play these games and let's continue our research in other video game treatment
This is why an alarming amount of returning soldiers and veterans are diagnosed with PTSD. The living conditions during war are brutal, daunting, and extremely violent. The standard treatment method for PTSD is antidepressant medication and therapy. However, new studies are showing that video games are quicker and more effective than some antidepressants such as escitalopram (Lynch). In another study, researchers showed 52 subjects videos of graphic car accidents and drownings. The following day they showed them still frames from the videos. Then half of the group was asked to take a small break and play Tetris, while the other half sat quietly. The following week the Tetris players reported far fewer flashbacks than the other group. (Kime) This study is interesting because the researchers chose to expose their subjects to graphic material and then try to ease the ‘trauma’ with a lighthearted video game. I am not convinced the evidence from this study could really be used to back up the theory that video games should be used to help treat PTSD. Soldiers are usually exposed to trauma for numerous months and years, while these test subjects were only exposed for a few hours tops. While there is no evidence of PTSD drastically dropping because of video games, I do think that many could benefit from them. The nonviolent video games could be therapeutic and help distract their brains …show more content…
Posttraumatic stress disorder has affected one in three returning troops and shows no signs of stopping (The Statistics). While we cannot do anything to cure PTSD today, there are a few methods to help cope with the burdens of this disorder. Obviously patients should seek out help immediately by contacting a physician. They will then most likely be prescribed an antidepressant and will be encouraged to see a therapist. Many receive help by talking through their struggles, so some patients may benefit from group therapy as well. Along with these typical methods, new studies suggest patients play video games to help ease their minds. Quick video games or brain teasers could help alleviate stress and temporarily distract the mind from traumatic memories. Let’s help our veterans to end their fight by encouraging them to play these games and let's continue our research in other video game treatment