A growing body of evidence suggests that simple, game-based interventions can play a meaningful role in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare workers. In a recent study conducted with doctors in the United Kingdom, researchers explored how a short, targeted intervention could help reduce intrusive traumatic memories triggered by the pressures of pandemic duty. The findings point to a surprising ally in mental health care: Tetris, a classic video game that requires rapid, spatial processing of shapes and patterns.
Earlier experiments had already hinted that engaging in visuospatial tasks after recalling a traumatic memory can interfere with the brain processes that solidify those memories. In this study, doctors who were experiencing PTSD symptoms were asked to briefly recall a distressing memory and then immediately play Tetris. The design aimed to disrupt the consolidation of the distressing imagery at a crucial moment when it was most vulnerable to modification.
Over the course of the treatment, participants reported a substantial drop in the frequency of traumatic memories per week. At the start of the intervention, the average number of intrusive memories was around fourteen per week. By the end of the treatment phase, many participants reported a marked reduction, with some noting only a single intrusive episode weekly. Importantly, follow-up assessments six months later showed that improvements persisted, indicating potential lasting benefits beyond the initial sessions.
Experts explain that the mechanism likely lies in the competition for mental resources. Engaging in a demanding visuospatial task like Tetris appears to occupy the same cognitive and neural resources used to re-create vivid traumatic images. When those resources are diverted, the sensory details of the memory become less vivid and less likely to be re-experienced with the same intensity. This disruption can help patients regain a sense of control over their memories, which is a key component of PTSD recovery for many individuals.
While the study focused on doctors, the approach has broader implications for PTSD treatment in clinical settings. The simplicity and accessibility of a game such as Tetris make it a potential adjunct to existing therapies, offering a low-cost option that can be implemented in hospitals, clinics, or even patients’ homes. The approach does not replace established therapies but rather complements them by targeting a distinct cognitive process—memory reconsolidation through visuospatial engagement.
As enthusiasm grows for brief, practical interventions that support mental health under high-stress conditions, researchers emphasize the importance of further investigations. Future work could examine optimal timing, session length, and the potential cumulative effects of repeated brief tasks across diverse patient groups. In the meantime, the current evidence encourages clinicians to consider simple, non-pharmacological options that empower patients to participate actively in their own recovery process.
One clinician observing the program noted the value of routine blood donation for donors as part of broader health engagement. This comment underscores a broader principle: proactive, health-promoting activities can bolster well-being and resilience, even when the primary focus is mental health treatment.