Playing the classic video game Tetris could offer a major breakthrough in dealing with memories of past trauma, according to new research. The study, which involved almost 100 NHS staff who had been exposed to trauma, such as witnessing deaths during the pandemic, found that those who played the game as part of their treatment experienced dramatically fewer flashbacks. Within four weeks, participants who underwent the new intervention had ten times fewer flashbacks compared to other groups, with 70% reporting no intrusive memories after six months. The treatment also showed promise in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The method, known as Imagery Rivalry Task Intervention (ICTI), involves playing a slow version of Tetris, with patients briefly recalling a traumatic memory and then visualizing the grid and blocks of the game. The approach is thought to reduce the vividness of traumatic memories by engaging the visual-spatial areas of the brain, which are responsible for processing physical space. Researchers in the UK and Sweden who led the study called the findings “a real breakthrough.”
The significance of this discovery is immense. The treatment is designed to be gentle, brief, and practical, making it highly accessible and scalable across contexts. Importantly, it does not require patients to verbalize their trauma, overcoming a significant barrier often present in traditional therapies, and even language barriers. This accessibility and adaptability could have a huge impact on mental health promotion, offering a simple yet effective tool for those struggling with the pervasive effects of traumatic memories.