A recent study suggests that playing Tetris can reduce trauma-related flashbacks, having a significant impact on mental health.

Researchers from the United Kingdom and Sweden conducted a study suggesting that playing Tetris may help combat traumatic memories. The study involved nearly 100 employees of the National Health Service (NHS) who were exposed to traumas, such as witnessing deaths during the pandemic. Participants who played a slow version of Tetris while recalling their traumas reported 10 times fewer flashbacks compared to those who received standard treatments or listened to music.

Imagery Competition Task Intervention (ICTI) demonstrated that it can weaken the intensity of traumatic memories by occupying the visuospatial areas of the brain. Professor Emily Holmes, who led the study, emphasized that the method is gentle and adaptable, having the potential to help patients without forcing them to verbally express their traumas. The impact of the study is considered to be 'enormous', given the accessibility and scalability of the method, which transcends language barriers. After six months, 70% of participants no longer had intrusive memories, and the treatment also contributed to alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.