Gaming is no longer simply a form of entertainment. Many players view it as interactive art, and a new trend is seeing video games being used as an effect treatment method of mental health issues.
Pokémon Go and mental health
Doctors claim that Pokemon Go has the potential to help young adults cope with mental health issues like depression, social anxiety and withdrawal. The game encourages players to be active and head outdoors in search of Pokemon. Since exercise has been proven to relieve the symptoms of depression, the game offers players the chance to get some fresh air and clear their minds.
Another great feature is that the game allows players to easily find individuals with similar interests quite easily. Since the game has been launched, there have been plenty of social groups started which encourage players to gather up and hunt Pokemon together – a great help for those with social anxiety.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality games are also being used in the treatment of mental health issues with a more direct approach. Doctors are using virtual reality hardware like the Oculus Rift to help people overcome phobias, for example, acrophobia (fear of heights). When taking part in a simulation of being up high acrophobic individuals feel the same symptoms that they would experience if they were actually on top of a skyscraper.
As such, virtual reality has shown the potential to be effective in tackling these fears. Doctors are now also using this technology to help treat PTSD and persecutory delusions.
Gamification
‘Gamification’ is the application of typical gaming elements to other areas, such as marketing. This principle is now being applied to mental health issues with games like Depression Quest (where you play as a person with depression and confront various everyday situations to help manage the illness) and Elude (which portrays depression in a metaphorical sense).
These kinds of games have received great reviews from players who have noticed improvements in their condition, as well as mental health experts who are impressed with their effectiveness.
What about gambling?
While problem gambling continues to be a major concern for mental health experts, there is little evidence about the effect of social and freemium gaming on those suffering from gambling addiction. While the activity may present itself as a safe alternative to gambling at casinos and at gaming sites, there is also some proof that it may increase the player’s desire to take bigger financial risks.
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