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 games1.
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 practice2 10.
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 games3 9.
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 treatments4.
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 outcomes5.
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 interventions6 7 8.
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
Serious games and gamification show promise in increasing the impact of online mental health interventions by extending reach, improving engagement, and utilizing varied mechanisms for change.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedCommercial video games as a resource for mental health: A systematic literature review
Commercial video games show potential in mental health, but more research is needed to understand their impact on various disorders and connect research to clinical practice.
Systematic ReviewTherapeutic Interventions with Videogames in Treatments for Depression: A Systematic Review.
Videogames show potential as therapeutic interventions for depression, but more research is needed to address gaps and guide future development of game-based interventions.
Systematic ReviewThe Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review.
Casual videogames show promising effects in treating anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood.
Systematic ReviewOnline Video Game Therapy for Mental Health Concerns: A Review
Online video game therapy offers potential for effective treatment of mental health concerns, with potential for assessment, training, and social interaction.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedImmersive 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.
Applied games show promise for adolescent depressive symptoms, but more research is needed before they become routine treatments for children and young people with mental health problems.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalVideo Games in Psychotherapy
Video games may enhance psychotherapy for children and adolescents by promoting cooperation, facilitating relationships, and evaluating cognitive skills.
Highly CitedTherapeutic and Preventive Use of Video Games in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Systematic Review
Serious games and commercial video games can be effective alternatives to traditional psychotherapy in treating and preventing psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
Systematic ReviewRole of video games in improving health-related outcomes: a systematic review.
Video games show potential in improving health outcomes, particularly in psychological therapy and physical therapy, but more rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedGaming Your Mental Health: A Narrative Review on Mitigating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using Commercial Video Games
Commercial video games show promise as inexpensive, accessible, and stigma-free resources for mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety, potentially replacing traditional therapeutic treatments.
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