Use of video games for mental health treatment
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The Use of Video Games for Mental Health Treatment
Introduction to Video Games in Mental Health Treatment
Video games have evolved beyond mere entertainment to become valuable tools in mental health treatment. Researchers have explored various ways in which video games can be used to address mental health issues, leveraging their widespread popularity and engaging nature to provide therapeutic benefits.
Serious Games and Gamification for Mental Health
Serious games and gamification involve using game elements for purposes beyond entertainment, such as health and education. These applied games can enhance mental health interventions by extending their reach, improving engagement, and utilizing therapeutic processes embedded within gaming features. Studies have shown promising evidence for the effectiveness of serious games in treating depression, with various categories of games being tested, including exergames, virtual reality (VR) games, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-based games, entertainment games, biofeedback, and cognitive training games.
Commercial Video Games as Therapeutic Tools
Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) video games, due to their popularity and accessibility, have also been explored for their potential mental health benefits. Research has indicated that these games can positively impact various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to fully understand their impact and to integrate these findings into clinical practice .
Video Games for Depression and Anxiety
The therapeutic potential of video games for depression has gained attention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought relief from depressive symptoms through gaming. Systematic reviews have highlighted the use of video games as therapeutic interventions for depression, noting both quantitative and qualitative benefits. However, gaps remain in targeting the age groups most affected by depression, who are also the largest consumers of video games .
Casual Video Games for Mental Health
Casual video games (CVGs), which are simple and can be played in short bursts, have shown promise in treating anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood. These games are particularly appealing due to their ease of use and accessibility, making them a viable option for individuals who may not engage with traditional mental health treatments.
Online Video Game Therapy
Online video game therapy is an emerging field that combines the therapeutic potential of video games with the connectivity of the internet. This approach is particularly beneficial for special-needs groups, such as the young, the elderly, and individuals with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders. Online games offer unique opportunities for narrative content and immersive interaction, which can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Video Games in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
In child and adolescent psychiatry, video games have been used both as therapeutic and preventive tools. Studies have shown that serious games and commercial video games can be effective in treating psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. However, there is a need for more rigorous longitudinal studies to assess the sustained effects of these interventions .
Conclusion
Video games hold significant potential as tools for mental health treatment. From serious games and gamification to commercial and casual video games, these digital interventions can enhance engagement, provide therapeutic benefits, and offer accessible alternatives to traditional treatments. While the current evidence is promising, further research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and to integrate these innovations into clinical practice effectively.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Serious Games and Gamification for Mental Health: Current Status and Promising Directions
Commercial video games as a resource for mental health: A systematic literature review
Therapeutic Interventions with Videogames in Treatments for Depression: A Systematic Review.
The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review.
Online Video Game Therapy for Mental Health Concerns: A Review
Immersive virtual reality and digital applied gaming interventions for the treatment of mental health problems in children and young people: the need for rigorous treatment development and clinical evaluation.
Video Games in Psychotherapy
Therapeutic and Preventive Use of Video Games in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Systematic Review
Role of video games in improving health-related outcomes: a systematic review.
Gaming Your Mental Health: A Narrative Review on Mitigating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using Commercial Video Games
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