A novel intervention using the video game Tetris has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing intrusive thoughts and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare workers who experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in BMC Medicine, reveals that combining memory recall with visuospatial gameplay can offer a rapid and accessible alternative to traditional therapies. This approach avoids detailed trauma discussions, making it potentially more appealing and easier to implement, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Study Design and Results
The randomized controlled trial involved 164 healthcare workers in Sweden who had experienced at least one traumatic event related to their clinical work during the pandemic and reported at least two intrusive thoughts in the week before recruitment. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a 30-minute guided session pairing memory recall with playing Tetris, while the control group engaged in a podcast-based task.
The primary outcome was the number of intrusive thoughts, assessed at the beginning of the trial and five weeks post-intervention, with follow-ups at one, three, and six months to evaluate PTSD symptoms. Results indicated that participants in the intervention group experienced an 85.9% reduction in intrusive thoughts by week five compared to the start of the trial, with half of the group reporting no intrusive memories at all. Furthermore, participants reported ongoing reductions in PTSD-related symptoms, improved workplace performance, and enhanced well-being over the six-month follow-up period. The control group showed no comparable improvements.
Clinical Significance and Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers faced immense mental health challenges due to repeated exposure to life-threatening situations, increasing their risk of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Traditional treatments such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are effective but often face barriers such as stigma, time constraints, and scheduling difficulties.
The Tetris intervention addresses these limitations by offering a low-burden, digitally accessible alternative. By combining memory recall with a visuospatial task, the intervention disrupts the vividness of intrusive thoughts, based on neuroscience principles. Unlike other therapies, this method avoids detailed trauma discussions, offering a more quick, accessible alternative that’s easier to use and can be delivered digitally.
Expert Commentary
Researchers emphasize the significance of this study's focus on healthcare workers and their ongoing trauma, as most trauma-focused research occurs post-exposure. The simplicity of the intervention increases its potential for widespread use. The study's design, including blinded assessments and long-term follow-ups, supports its findings.
Limitations and Future Directions
Despite the promising results, the study has limitations. The reliance on self-reported data could introduce bias, and the lack of formal PTSD diagnoses limits precise results. The study focused on Swedish healthcare workers, which limits findings to other groups or cultures. Future research should improve the digital format of the intervention, explore its use, and test its effectiveness in broader, more diverse populations.
