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

NCT ID NCT05381155

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

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.

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.

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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.

INTRUSIVE TRAUMATIC MEMORIES POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Antje Horsch

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, 1010, Switzerland
Maxime Haubry

Neuchâtel, Canton of Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland

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