But Holmes pointed to another trivial act that is now considered an unmatched lifesaver.

"Hand washing was once laughed at, too," she said during her presentation, referring to common habits that existed pre-germ theory. Since doctors started washing their hands before surgery and, more generally, since people have started washing their hands after using the toilet, stopping the spread of pathogens, countless lives have been saved worldwide. 

In other words, it is possible that simple visual-spatial exercises, as exemplified by Tetris, could have a significant impact on some psychological disorders and that someday, when the mechanism is known, the current research will be recognized in hindsight as obvious.

As for whether we should, today, be equipping soldiers with Tetris games to play immediately after battle, Holmes told LiveScience, "Not until we do clinical trials first."

• Top 10 Controversial Psychiatric Disorders
• Fight, Fight, Fight: The History of Human Aggression
• Inside the Brain: A Journey Through Time

1 Comments

1. 1. cptkaz 07:49 AM 4/28/12

   It must have to do with how much focus one puts into playing video games. I've grown up with some big problems in my life, but having something to do always makes it easier to cope. Mind you, this doesn't involve alcoholism or taking narcotics. I'm not on any major prescription drugs, nor have I been to a psychiatrist. However, I've noticed my attention wanders in everyday activities, such as my job. It seems the pros outweigh the cons.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this