Researchers at the University of Oxford have shown that a digital treatment involving Tetris gameplay can dramatically reduce intrusive trauma memories and symptoms linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results from a clinical trial indicate the intervention works within a month and benefits endure for at least six months.

The findings, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, highlight how a simple, scalable digital approach could transform trauma care. The treatment specifically targets intrusive memories, the unwanted flashbacks that can disrupt daily life for trauma survivors.

🧠 How the Study Worked

The trial involved 99 healthcare workers who had experienced trauma while working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a digital Tetris-based treatment, an informational or musical control group, and a standard care group.

Before each session, participants briefly recalled an intrusive memory. Then, they used a cognitive skill called mental rotation to play a slower version of Tetris, a game where players rotate geometric blocks to complete lines. This approach engages the brain’s visuospatial processing systems and competes with the mental imagery tied to trauma.

🎮 Dramatic Reduction in Intrusive Memories

After just one month, people in the Tetris group experienced far fewer intrusive memories than those in the control groups. The difference was stark: the Tetris group reported intrusive memories at about one-tenth the rate of other participants.

Even more striking, the benefits persisted over time. Six months after treatment, about 70% of participants in the Tetris group reported no intrusive memories at all. Moreover, many experienced broader relief from other PTSD symptoms.

🧠 Why This Matters

Intrusive memories are a core symptom of PTSD and a major source of distress for trauma survivors. Traditional therapies are effective, yet they often require multiple sessions, trained clinicians and significant time commitments. In contrast, this digital intervention is low-intensity, scalable and can be delivered without extensive specialist involvement.

According to the World Health Organization, psychological trauma affects at least seven in 10 people at some point in their lives. Severe trauma may lead to PTSD, which is experienced by millions worldwide. The new Tetris-based treatment offers a promising option for relief where conventional therapies are less available or accessible.

🌍 Collaboration and Future Plans

The research was funded by Wellcome and carried out in collaboration with P1vital, Uppsala University and the University of Cambridge. Oxford researchers focused on the trial’s design and statistical analysis, particularly how intrusive memory reactivation and mental rotation interact to shape outcomes.

Lead co-author Professor Mike Bonsall said the study shows that reactivating intrusive memories at moderate mental vividness, followed by a competing visuospatial task, delivers strong memory reduction outcomes.

🔎 What’s Next

The research team now plans to test the treatment on larger and more diverse groups. They also want to explore a version of the intervention that participants can use without direct guidance.

If further trials confirm these results, the digital treatment could become a globally available tool for trauma care. It may especially help people who lack access to traditional PTSD treatments or prefer non-verbal therapeutic options.