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Tetris Therapy: A New PTSD Breakthrough
19 Feb
Summary
- Playing Tetris significantly reduces traumatic memory flashbacks.
- NHS staff saw 10 times fewer flashbacks in a UK/Sweden trial.
- The visual game therapy weakens intrusive memory vividness.
A groundbreaking trial has demonstrated that playing the classic computer game Tetris can help alleviate distressing memories associated with trauma. Researchers in the UK and Sweden conducted a study involving 99 NHS staff who had experienced work-related trauma during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Forty participants received the imagery competing task intervention (ICTI), which required them to play a slow version of Tetris while briefly recalling a traumatic memory, focusing on visualizing the game's grid. This method is believed to weaken intrusive memories by engaging the brain's visuospatial processing.
Within four weeks, the ICTI group reported 10 times fewer flashbacks. After six months, approximately 70% experienced no intrusive memories at all. The intervention also showed positive effects on reducing PTSD symptoms.
This accessible, scalable, and adaptable therapy offers a novel approach that does not require individuals to verbalize their trauma, potentially transcending language barriers. Researchers are now exploring its effectiveness in larger, more diverse groups and considering a non-guided version.
