Reducing flashbacks in adolescents
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing intrusive memories in trauma-exposed adolescents in CAMHS: A case series using a brief imagery interference intervention
IRAS ID
350637
Contact name
Alex Lau-Zhu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Traumatic experiences occurring in adolescence can have profound effects on biological and psychosocial development and overall wellbeing. Following traumatic experiences, involuntary and unwanted mental images of the traumatic events may pop up into a person’s mind. These intrusive memories ('flashbacks') can be multisensory and often negatively impact an adolescent’s daily life, including their ability to concentrate in lessons, feel happy and safe, and trust other people. They are commonly referred to as 'flashbacks'.
This study explores a new technique which involves playing a visual game on a smartphone, to stop these memories from popping up. We think this works because engaging in the visual demands of the game interrupts the brain processes used for visualising distressing memories. Many studies have evidenced that this may be helpful in adults and the current study explores whether young people may also benefit. It is possible that this intervention will reduce the frequency and intensity flashbacks and may therefore also improve functioning in life.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0001
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion