Research involving nearly 100 NHS staff members exposed to trauma has shown that playing Tetris may help in mitigating the impact of traumatic memories. The study, described as a "real breakthrough" by experts, involved participants recalling traumatic events while engaging with the classic video game. The findings suggest that the game can effectively reduce the frequency of flashbacks experienced by individuals dealing with past trauma.

The method utilized in the study, known as imagery competing task intervention (ICTI), required participants to play a slow version of Tetris while briefly imagining a traumatic memory. The focus on visualizing the game's grid and blocks aims to overwhelm the brain's ability to retrieve detailed memories of trauma, thereby weakening their intensity. This innovative approach could provide a new avenue for therapy in treating trauma-related disorders.

Researchers from the UK and Sweden are now planning to test this therapeutic strategy on a larger scale. The potential implications of these findings are enormous, offering a promising tool for mental health professionals in helping individuals cope with the enduring effects of trauma, particularly those in high-stress professions such as healthcare.