Tetris Gameplay May Reduce Trauma-Related Memories and PTSD Symptoms, Study Finds
Playing the video game Tetris could significantly lessen intrusive memories linked to traumatic experiences and alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to research published in The Lancet Psychiatry. The study, conducted by researchers in Sweden in collaboration with universities in the UK, suggests a brief intervention centered around the game can have a substantial impact on reducing flashbacks.
The research, detailed in a report from February 19, 2026, focused on treating vivid, unwanted recollections of traumatic events – a core symptom of PTSD. Intrusive memories can significantly impact both mental and physical health and this finding offers a potentially accessible and scalable treatment option.
The treatment, known as Imagery Competing Task Intervention (ICTI), activates the visual and spatial areas of the brain. Researchers found that this intervention led to a considerable decrease in flashbacks among participants. The study involved 99 healthcare workers who experienced trauma although working during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating the potential for widespread implementation of this digital treatment.
“Even a single, fleeting intrusive memory of a past trauma can have a powerful impact on daily life, capturing attention and exposing a person to unwanted and overwhelming emotions,” said Emily Holmes, professor of psychology at Uppsala University and the study’s coordinator.
The research was developed at Uppsala University in Sweden, in partnership with the P1vital research organization, and tested with the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. According to a report from February 23, 2026, the intervention involves 20-minute sessions rotating Tetris’s variously shaped and colored blocks, and has shown symptom disappearance in over two-thirds of users.
Traumatic experiences, such as witnessing a sudden death or surviving a violent event, can cause persistent intrusive memories. These memories, often called “flashbacks,” are involuntary and recurring recollections that suddenly appear in the mind, typically as visual images of the trauma. The findings suggest that Tetris gameplay can be a valuable tool in managing these distressing memories and improving the lives of those affected by trauma. This research underscores the growing field of digital therapeutics and their potential to address mental health challenges.
The treatment was as well exceptionally effective at reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) more generally, and in some cases, led to participants being symptom-free after six months, according to researchers at Oxford University.
According to the World Health Organization, psychological trauma affects seven out of 10 people at least once in their lifetime. Existing therapies for PTSD are effective but often inaccessible due to resource limitations and specialist availability.
