In an era where mental health challenges among children and teenagers are on the rise, a new tool is gaining attention: video games designed as mental health interventions. A recent review of studies by Johns Hopkins Medicine has revealed that specially designed video games can offer modest but valuable benefits for improving the mental well-being of children and teens suffering from conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The findings, originally published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggest that these digital tools could provide much-needed relief in an overburdened healthcare system.
How Video Games Help
According to the research, video games created with the specific goal of addressing mental health issues can positively impact symptoms of ADHD and depression, though the benefits are modest. In trials, children and teenagers who played these games saw improvements in attention span and reductions in depressive symptoms. Notably, the games designed for ADHD often involved tasks that required divided attention, teaching kids to focus on multiple things at once—skills that could translate into real-world improvements.
However, games designed for anxiety didn’t show the same effectiveness. Researchers believe this may be due to the more complex nature of anxiety disorders, which might require more intensive intervention methods than what video games can currently offer.
Why This Matters
With around 20% of U.S. children and teens diagnosed with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorders, the need for mental health interventions is higher than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened these trends, increasing wait times for therapy and creating gaps in mental health care. Video games offer an alternative that’s not only accessible but engaging, making them a potentially useful tool while waiting for traditional therapy.
Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., a co-author of the study, pointed out that “having many tools in the toolbox can be helpful,” and these gamified interventions could be an excellent first step for children needing mental health support.
Tips for Parents
While video games can be helpful in managing ADHD and depression, it’s important to use them correctly to maximize their benefits. Here are some tips for parents:
1. Choose games carefully – Not all video games are created equal. Seek out games that are specifically designed to address mental health issues. These can often be found through medical providers or research institutions.
2. Limit screen time – Although these games have therapeutic benefits, they should still be played in moderation. Researchers found that games played for 20-45 minutes, three times a week, were the most effective.
3. Combine with other therapies – Video games shouldn’t replace traditional mental health treatments like counselling or medication. Instead, they should be used as a supplement, offering a fun and engaging way to work on specific mental health challenges.
4. Monitor progress – Keep track of your child’s mood and behaviour as they engage with these games. You might see small improvements over time, but it’s essential to maintain open communication with a healthcare professional.
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Takeaway
While video games designed for mental health interventions are not a silver bullet, they offer a promising new approach to addressing mental health challenges in children and teens. As the field of digital mental health continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about the potential of these tools to help bridge the gap in mental health care, particularly for conditions like ADHD and depression.
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