Mental health professional have debated about the best approach to reducing the flashbacks associated with PTSD. An article
published in Medical News Today, January 8, 2009, examines this issue.
The article reports on a study published recently in the online, peer-reviewed journal Ploys ONE. The researchers "...showed a film to 40 healthy volunteers that included
traumatic images of injury from a variety of sources, including adverts
highlighting the dangers of drink driving ...[which] is a recognized way to
study the effects of trauma in the laboratory. After waiting for 30
minutes, 20 of the volunteers played 'Tetris' for 10 minutes while the
other half did nothing.' What were the results? " Those who had played the computer game
experienced significantly fewer flashbacks to the film over the next
week." There are a number of important implications of this study. First, that computer games may become an important part of the treatment protocol for patients who are suffering from PTSD. The researchers note that "...computer games may disrupt the memories that are retained of the sights
and sounds witnessed at the time, and which are later re-experienced
through involuntary, distressing flashbacks of that moment." Second, the research appears to confirm that the mind has several ways to process data and information. The researchers note that "...the mind is considered to have two separate channels of thought:
one is sensory and deals with our direct perceptual experience of the
world, the other is conceptual and draws meaning and narrative from our
experiences to give them context. For example, we would use one channel
to see and hear someone talk and the other to comprehend the meaning of
what they were saying." Third, the research confirms that the brain has definite limits to its ability to process multiple inputs. The researchers note "...there appear to be limits to our abilities in each stream: it
is difficult to hold a conversation while doing maths problems, for
example." Fourth, and last of all the research confirms that the brain as a brief window of time in which it may be capable of disrupting negative memories. The researchers note "..there is a short time after an event in which it is possible
to interfere with the way our memories are retained in the brain."
The Bottom Line: Playing computer games may block the flashbacks of PTSD
Source: Original Article
Resources for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
How to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. View this top rated video from Youtube.
More Resources on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-a-real-illness/summary.shtml
Also available in Spanish http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/spanish/trastorno-de-estres-postraumatico.shtml -
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
(Patient Education Institute) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/ptsd/htm/index.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/ptsdspanish/htm/index.htm - What Can I Do If I Think I Have PTSD?(National Center for PTSD) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_what_can_i_do.html
Overviews
- Common Reactions After Trauma(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_commonreactions.html
-
JAMA Patient Page: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder(American Medical Association) - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/298/5/588.pdf
Also available in Spanish http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/data/298/5/588/DC1/1
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/624.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/624.printerview.html
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/summary.shtml
Latest News
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome(01/22/2009, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_74100.html
- Computer Puzzle May Ease Post-Traumatic Stress(01/08/2009, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_73592.html
- Heart, Respiration Rates Predict PTSD Risk(12/19/2008, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_72990.html
- More News on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_p.html#posttraumaticstressdisorder
Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Effects of Traumatic Stress in a Disaster Situation(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_effects_disaster.html
- FAQs about PTSD Assessment(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_faqs_assessment_public.html
- How Is PTSD Measured?(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_lay_assess.html
Treatment
- Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress and Dissociative Conditions: What to Look for and How to Choose a Therapist(Sidran Institute) - http://www.sidran.org/sub.cfm?contentID=62§ionid=4
- Treatment of PTSD(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_treatmentforptsd.html
Coping
- Coping with PTSD and Recommended Lifestyle Changes for PTSD Patients(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_coping.html
-
Having Trouble Coping? There Is Hope(Center for Mental Health Services) - Links to PDF - http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/SVP06-0155/SVP06-0155.pdf
-
In the Wake of Trauma: Tips for College Students(Center for Mental Health Services) - Links to PDF - http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/KEN01-0092/KEN01-0092.pdf
- Managing Stress and Recovering from Trauma: Facts and Resources for Veterans and Families(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_managing_stress.html
-
Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering from Disasters and Other Traumatic Events(American Psychological Association) - http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=22
Also available in Spanish http://www.centrodeapoyoapa.org/articulos/articulo.php?id=22
- Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing Your Stress(Center for Mental Health Services) - Links to PDF - http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/NMH05-0209/NMH05-0209.pdf
Specific Conditions
- Complex PTSD(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_complex_ptsd.html
-
Dealing with Trauma: Frightening Events Can Have Lasting Effects(National Institutes of Health) - http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/August/docs/01features_01.htm
-
Post-Traumatic Stress After a Traffic Accident(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/449.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/449.printerview.html
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cancer Survivors(National Cancer Institute) - http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/supportivecare/post-traumatic-stress/patient/
- Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Members(National Center for PTSD) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/manuals/GuideforFamilies.pdf
-
Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Military Personnel(National Center for PTSD) - Large PDF file - http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/ptsd/files/pdf/SMGuide.pdf
Related Issues
- Answers in the Aftermath(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA05-4027/lovedoneforprint.asp
- Disaster Rescue and Response Workers(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_rescue_workers.html
- Discussing Trauma and PTSD with Your Doctor(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_doctor.html
- Finding a PTSD Therapist(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_finding_a_therapist.html
- Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD & Employment(Office of Disability Employment Policy, Veterans' Employment and Training Service) - http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/FAQPTSD.html
- How Do People Respond during Traumatic Exposure?(American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress) - Links to PDF - http://www.aaets.org/during.pdf
- PTSD and Physical Health(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_physical_health.html
- PTSD and Suicide(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_suicide.html
- PTSD and the Family(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_family.html
- Sleep and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_sleep.html
- Tips for Communicating with People with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(Office of Disability Employment Policy, Veterans' Employment and Training Service) - http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/tips.html
- Trauma and Relationships(International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) - http://www.istss.org/resources/Trauma_and_relationships.cfm
- Trauma, Loss and Traumatic Grief(International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) - http://www.istss.org/resources/sudden_traumatic_loss.cfm
- Traumatic Stress and Substance Use Problems(International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) - http://www.istss.org/resources/Traumatic_Stress_and_Substance_Abuse.cfm
Tutorials
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(Patient Education Institute) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/ptsd/htm/index.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/ptsdspanish/htm/index.htm
Videos
-
Wounds Within(Dept. of Defense) - http://pentagontv.feedroom.com/?fr_story=75ff50666b3f1f51ae078051677bac337021697a&rf=rss
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Stress+Disorders,+Post-Traumatic%22
Research
-
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-research-fact-sheet.shtml
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(National Institutes of Health) - Links to PDF - http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/PTSD.pdf
-
Task Force Finds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective for Children and Adolescents Exposed to Trauma(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/task-force-finds-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-effective-for-children-and-adolescents-exposed-to-trauma.shtml
-
Virtual Reality, Psychotherapy, Show Promise in Treating PTSD Symptoms; Civilian Access to Care Remains a Concern(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/virtual-reality-psychotherapy-show-promise-in-treating-ptsd-symptoms-civilian-access-to-care-remains-a-concern.shtml
Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: The psychological toll of the Intifada: symptoms of distress and... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19160946&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Predictors of PTSD symptoms in response to psychosis and psychiatric... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19155811&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Predictors of depressive symptoms following mandibular fracture repair. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19138607&tool=MedlinePlus
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=stress+disorders,post-traumatic[majr]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt])+AND+humans[mh]+AND+english[la]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
Dictionaries/Glossaries
- Dissociative Disorders Glossary(Sidran Institute) - http://www.sidran.org/sub.cfm?contentID=38§ionid=4
Directories
- Mental Health Services Locator(Center for Mental Health Services) - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/
Organizations
- Center for Mental Health Services - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/
- National Center for PTSD - http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network - http://www.nctsn.org/
-
National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Statistics
- How Common Is PTSD?(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_how_common_is_ptsd.html
Children
- For Parents: Childhood Traumatic Grief Educational Materials(National Child Traumatic Stress Network) - Large PDF file - http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/reports/parents_package1-15-04.pdf
-
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-what-parents-can-do.shtml
- Resources for Helping Children Cope with Trauma and Death(NYU Child Study Center) - Large PDF file - http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/aboutourkids_resources_helping_children_cope_trauma_death
-
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress(National Child Traumatic Stress Network) - http://www.nctsn.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_aud_prnt_under
Also available in Spanish http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/edu_materials/Entendamoselestrtraumtico.pdf
Teenagers
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/ptsd.html
Women
- Women, Trauma and PTSD(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_women_lay.html
Seniors
- PTSD and Older Veterans(National Center for PTSD, Dept. of Veterans Affairs) - http://ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_older_veterans.html
You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:
- Stress - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stress.html
- Veterans and Military Health - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/veteransandmilitaryhealth.html
- Mental Health and Behavior - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealthandbehavior.html
Additional Resources:
- For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
- For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
- For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
- For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.
Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Psychiatric Disorders: PTSD, Depression, Youtube
Dr. Tanya Korkosz