For those plagued by intrusive thoughts from previous trauma, psychological help is essential. But for some trauma sufferers, one aspect of their treatment might be surprising: Tetris.
The so-called Tetris Effect has been noted in professional journals since 2009.
This classic video game, in which players try to stack randomly falling shapes, seems to have a therapeutic effect on memory in that it distracts the visual memory circuits, according to the original University of Oxford study. The idea is that the brain has limited space for memories of events. Playing Tetris right after traumatic events could reduce recall of the events, since the game interrupts memory processing.
Several small studies in recent years have also shown that intrusive memories occur less often when Tetris is played for 20 minutes within 72 hours after a traumatic event. More studies are needed, however.
Other studies suggest that, when a person recalls a traumatic event, if they play Tetris for 20 minutes, intrusive memories are also reduced.
No studies claim that intrusive memories are eliminated. It also isn't clear that Tetris is the only game that might have a beneficial effect.