Gender Differences after Digital Interventions in the Golden Hours after Traumatic Events

Abstract

Introduction

Digital technologies are used in the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is no clear evidence for effective gender-sensitive preventive measures for PTSD. Using Tetris during the golden hour after trauma can reduce intrusive memories and thus reduce the likelihood of PTSD in the future.

Objectives

Understand the features of gender differences after psychological interventions in patients in the acute period after a traumatic event. Video games that use visual-spatial efforts over a fixed time and frequency (Tetris) may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD.

Methods

Main inclusion criteria was an exposure to traumatic event (time from traumatic event - 0-24 hours). Respondents were assessed by PTSD symptom scale (PCL-5), peritraumatic distress scale (PDS), peritraumatic dissociative experience scale (PDES) and global functioning scale (GFS), intrusion diary (intervals: week 0, week 4, week 8, week 12).

Results

PTSD symptoms were more severe in female participants (p ≤ 0,05). Participants in the Tetris game group recorded significantly fewer intrusive memories during the first week after the traumatic event than participants in two other groups, with a mean effect size of 57 (M = 8.73 vs. M = 23.26, t (69) = 2.80, P = 0.005, d = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.18, 1, 14). After the first month of follow-up, members of the Tetris game group reported less stress from intrusive symptoms.

Conclusions

Tetris intervention may reduce intrusive memories of real trauma. Women had more severe PTSD symptoms. Due to the small number of samples, the study should be repeated.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.