Tetris therapy for new moms: a game that could erase traumatic birth memories?

NCT ID NCT05381155

First seen Jan 17, 2026 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 26 times

Summary

This study tested whether a single session of playing Tetris after briefly recalling a traumatic childbirth memory could reduce the number of intrusive memories and PTSD symptoms in new mothers. 120 women who had given birth at least six weeks ago and reported frequent intrusive memories were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or after a waiting period. The approach aims to disrupt the memory reconsolidation process using a simple visuospatial task.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Antje Horsch

    Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, 1010, Switzerland

  • Maxime Haubry

    Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

behavioral intervention: brief childbirth memory recall followed by Tetris gameplay

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce distressing intrusive memories after childbirth, improving maternal mental health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial (120 participants) with a behavioral intervention, not a drug. The effect may be modest or not last long, and results may not apply to all women.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.