Post by Lone Wanderer on Jan 11, 2018 20:43:15 GMT
Source: How Gaming Can Improve Your Mental Health
Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
While gaming is making the news lately for the ways it may be bad for one’s mental health, studies show that it may also be able to treat two of the most common mental health conditions in the world – anxiety and depression. A study done by East Carolina University suggests that playing 30 minutes of video games per day can treat anxiety and depression at a level that rivals prescription medication. Out of all the genres, puzzle games (like Angry Birds, Bejeweled, or Tetris, for instance) in particular have shown an ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Another common mental health condition, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been shown to be treatable through video games. One study showed that individuals with PTSD that played Tetris experienced less flashbacks than those that didn’t play the game. Considering this, it’s no surprise that video games are starting to be used therapeutically as a way to treat the symptoms of some mental illnesses.
Memory
One mental health benefit of video gaming that has long been documented is its positive effect on memory. Video games of all kinds have been shown to improve memory, with one study finding that playing larger, more complex games like Super Mario 3D World had greater benefits than smaller, simpler games like Angry Birds.
The elderly population may be less likely to play a video game like Super Mario 3D World than, say, millennials, but they could stand to benefit even more from playing these kinds of games. Research has shown that elderly individuals who play video games can improve their brain health, as games help them learn new skills and engage in stimulating activities. By keeping their brains engaged, elderly individuals can decrease their odds of developing conditions that negatively impact their memory, such as dementia.
Social Interaction
One aspect of life that many people with mental illnesses struggle with is socializing with their peers and engaging with their community. While some people erroneously consider video games as a hobby for antisocial individuals that rarely leave the house, video games may actually help those that otherwise would avoid social interaction meet new friends. In fact, video games are increasingly a social experience, with many games built with online multiplayer experiences that encourage both cooperation and competition with real world individuals.
Video Games Can Make You “Smarter”
The notion that video games can make you smarter may seem like a stretch for some, but there is actually research to back this up. Researchers have found that those that play video games show improved cognitive functioning when compared to those that don’t, and that playing video games may even increase brain matter.
A study conducted in 2014 by the Max Planck Institute studied the effects of playing Super Mario 64 on the brain. 24 people played Super Mario 64 for 30 minute intervals every day for two months, and MRI scans of their brains were compared to a control group that didn’t play the game. The scans showed increased grey matter in regions of the brain associated with memory formation and strategic planning for those that played the game.
Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
While gaming is making the news lately for the ways it may be bad for one’s mental health, studies show that it may also be able to treat two of the most common mental health conditions in the world – anxiety and depression. A study done by East Carolina University suggests that playing 30 minutes of video games per day can treat anxiety and depression at a level that rivals prescription medication. Out of all the genres, puzzle games (like Angry Birds, Bejeweled, or Tetris, for instance) in particular have shown an ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Another common mental health condition, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been shown to be treatable through video games. One study showed that individuals with PTSD that played Tetris experienced less flashbacks than those that didn’t play the game. Considering this, it’s no surprise that video games are starting to be used therapeutically as a way to treat the symptoms of some mental illnesses.
Memory
One mental health benefit of video gaming that has long been documented is its positive effect on memory. Video games of all kinds have been shown to improve memory, with one study finding that playing larger, more complex games like Super Mario 3D World had greater benefits than smaller, simpler games like Angry Birds.
The elderly population may be less likely to play a video game like Super Mario 3D World than, say, millennials, but they could stand to benefit even more from playing these kinds of games. Research has shown that elderly individuals who play video games can improve their brain health, as games help them learn new skills and engage in stimulating activities. By keeping their brains engaged, elderly individuals can decrease their odds of developing conditions that negatively impact their memory, such as dementia.
Social Interaction
One aspect of life that many people with mental illnesses struggle with is socializing with their peers and engaging with their community. While some people erroneously consider video games as a hobby for antisocial individuals that rarely leave the house, video games may actually help those that otherwise would avoid social interaction meet new friends. In fact, video games are increasingly a social experience, with many games built with online multiplayer experiences that encourage both cooperation and competition with real world individuals.
Video Games Can Make You “Smarter”
The notion that video games can make you smarter may seem like a stretch for some, but there is actually research to back this up. Researchers have found that those that play video games show improved cognitive functioning when compared to those that don’t, and that playing video games may even increase brain matter.
A study conducted in 2014 by the Max Planck Institute studied the effects of playing Super Mario 64 on the brain. 24 people played Super Mario 64 for 30 minute intervals every day for two months, and MRI scans of their brains were compared to a control group that didn’t play the game. The scans showed increased grey matter in regions of the brain associated with memory formation and strategic planning for those that played the game.
