Therapeutic Uses of Videogames in Mental Health

Introduction

The idea that video games could be more than just entertainment is gaining serious attention. Researchers are increasingly exploring how they can be powerful tools for mental health treatment and therapy. This article reviews recent studies that investigate the potential of video games to support and improve mental well-being. We'll look at how games are being used to address various mental health challenges and the evidence that supports these approaches.

Why Video Games for Therapy?

Video games offer some unique advantages that make them promising for therapeutic use:

• Engagement: Games are designed to be captivating. This high level of engagement can help hold a patient's attention during therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.

• Immersion: Many games create immersive environments that allow individuals to experience scenarios in a safe and controlled setting. This can be helpful for exposure therapy (facing fears) or practicing social skills.

• Interactivity: Games require active participation, which can empower individuals and give them a sense of control. This can be especially valuable for those dealing with feelings of helplessness or anxiety.

Accessibility: Video games are widely accessible, and many people already enjoy playing them. This can reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment and make therapy more appealing.

Therapeutic Uses of Gaming in Mental Health: An Untapped Potential

Eckardt (2024) explored the exciting possibilities of using everyday, "casual" video games for mental health interventions [1]. This research highlights the potential of embedding brief mental health messages and exercises within games that people already play. Think of it as sneaking in a bit of therapy while someone is having fun. Eckardt's work suggests that gaming can be a viable alternative or addition to traditional mental health treatments for a range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

• PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

• Autism

• Schizophrenia

The study found that using games in this way can lead to improvements in symptoms, social skills, thinking abilities (cognitive processes), and focus. This is significant because it suggests that even readily available games can be harnessed for therapeutic benefit.

Video Game Therapy® (VGT®) Approach

Bocci et al. (2023) introduced the Video Game Therapy® (VGT®) approach, which puts the gaming experience front and center in the therapeutic process [2]. Instead of just using games as an add-on, VGT® builds the therapy around the game itself. This method leverages the immersive and engaging nature of video games to boost the effectiveness of therapy.

VGT® has shown promise in treating conditions like:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• Addiction

A key part of VGT® is matching the right game to the right person. Bocci et al. use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a personality assessment, to help connect a patient's personality, their therapy goals, and the specific type of video game used. The idea is to create the best possible conditions for traditional therapeutic techniques to work effectively.

Electronic Games in Therapy: A Review with Clinical Implications

Horne-Moyer et al. (2014) took a broad look at the use of electronic games in therapy [3]. They distinguished between:

• EGP (Electronic Games for Therapeutic Purposes): Games specifically designed for therapy.

• EGE (Electronic Games as Adjuncts to Psychotherapy): Commercial games used alongside traditional therapy.

Their review found that electronic games can be just as effective as traditional treatments and, importantly, can be more enjoyable for patients. This enjoyment factor can lead to better participation and outcomes. The review covered a wide range of therapeutic goals and diagnoses, suggesting that electronic games can improve both physical and mental well-being.

Commercial Video Games as Therapy: A New Research Agenda

Carras et al. (2018) focused on the untapped potential of commercial, "off-the-shelf" video games in healthcare [4]. They pointed out that research in this area faces some unique challenges:

• Rapid Technological Change: The gaming world evolves quickly, making it hard for research to keep up.

• Changing Societal Attitudes: Public perception of video games can be a barrier, with some people still viewing them negatively.

Carras et al. argue that we need to find ways to adapt popular commercial games for therapeutic use. These games offer:

• Engaging and realistic interactive environments

• Built-in social support networks (multiplayer features)

This could revolutionize healthcare by providing accessible and motivating therapeutic tools.

Beyond the Research: Broadening the Scope

While the academic research is crucial, it's worth noting some of the broader ways video games are being seen as beneficial:

• Stress Relief: Many people use video games as a way to unwind and de-stress. The immersive nature of games can help take your mind off worries and provide a healthy distraction.

• Cognitive Benefits: Games can challenge your brain in various ways, improving skills like problem-solving, strategic thinking, and reaction time.

• Social Connection: Online multiplayer games can provide opportunities for social interaction and community, which can be especially important for people who struggle with social isolation.

• Emotional Processing: Some games allow players to explore complex emotions and narratives, which can be a way to process difficult experiences.

Gaming Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Mental Health

The concept of "gaming therapy" (also known as "Console Therapy") is emerging as a more structured approach [6]. This involves using video games in a planned and deliberate way to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Proponents highlight benefits such as:

• Improved visual attention

• Enhanced spatial cognition (understanding spatial relationships)

• Development of problem-solving skills

• Increased empathy

• Enhanced social skills

Conclusion

The evidence we've reviewed strongly suggests that video games have significant therapeutic potential in mental health. They offer unique advantages in terms of engagement, immersion, and interactivity, making them valuable tools for a range of therapeutic applications.

However, this is still a developing field. We need more rigorous research, particularly randomized controlled trials (the "gold standard" of research), to further validate these findings. It's also important to explore the full range of potential applications and develop guidelines for ethical and effective use of video games in mental health treatment.

For those interested in the future of mental health, video games represent an exciting and promising frontier.

References

1. Eckardt JP. Therapeutic Uses of Gaming in Mental Health: An Untapped Potential. JMIR Serious Games. 2024;12:e57714. doi: 10.2196/57714.

2. Bocci F, Ferrari A, Sarini M. Putting the Gaming Experience at the Center of the Therapy—The Video Game Therapy® Approach. Healthcare. 2023;11(12):1767. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11121767.

3. Horne-Moyer HL, Moyer BH, Messer DC, Messer ES. The Use of Electronic Games in Therapy: a Review with Clinical Implications. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2014;16:520. doi: 10.1007/s11920-014-0520-6.

4. Carras MC, Van Rooij AJ, Spruijt-Metz D, Kvedar J, Griffiths MD, Carabas Y, Labrique A. Commercial Video Games As Therapy: A New Research Agenda to Unlock the Potential of a Global Pastime. Front Psychiatry. 2018;8:300. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00300.

5. WebMD. Video Games: Do They Have Mental Health Benefits? 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-video-games.

6. NeuroLaunch. Gaming Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Mental Health. 2024. Available from: https://neurolaunch.com/gaming-therapy/.