Can Video Games Treat PTSD?
TheGameWay
Video games can challenge the brain and help children diagnosed with ADHD improve their ability to focus. But can they cure Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
In a long series of PTSD experiments, researchers believe they have found a way to control the gray matter in the brain in order to alleviate nightmares and anxiety attacks, two common symptoms. According to Wired, after a clinician affixes EEG electrodes to specific regions of the scalp, the patient will have the ability to control a car in a video game. Over time, as the patient gains better control of the car, he/she unknowingly unleashes and fixes areas of the brain tied to PTSD. Medical trials of this process called neurofeedback begin in December.
Despite skepticism from mainstream scientific researchers, several soldiers said the game cured their symptoms.
Although the practicality of the video game solution is difficult to grasp, any method to overcome the horrors of PTSD seems worthy. Perhaps these unique advancements may pave the way for future research into alternative video game therapies.
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