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Fight Depression, Beat Your Favorite Games

A recently released study by East Carolina University’s Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic has found that playing so-called “casual” games may significantly reduce stress and anxiety in individuals suffering from clinical depression.

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects upwards of 121 million people. In the United States alone, an estimated 14.8 million American adults suffer from major depression. This disorder is one of the leading causes of disability among individuals aged 15 to 44 worldwide, but fewer than 25% of those affected have access to effective treatments.

59 people (30 females and 29 males) meeting the criteria of clinical depression participated in ECU’s study. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 74, with an average calculated age of 30. 63% of these individuals self-identified as gamers, and 23% were on antidepressant medications. Nearly half of the participants served as controls, surfing the National Institute of Mental Health’s Web page for information on combating depression.

The rest played one of three non-violent puzzle games: Bejeweled 2, Peggle and Bookworm Adventures. All of these titles are made by PopCap Games, which also underwrote the study. In the experimental group, prescribed game play reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression by a staggering 57%.

“The results of this study clearly demonstrate the intrinsic value of certain casual games in terms of significant, positive effects on the moods and anxiety levels of people suffering from any level of depression,” said Dr. Carmen Russoniello, director of the ECU Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic, who oversaw the study.

“In my opinion, the findings support the possibility of using prescribed casual video games for treating depression and anxiety as an adjunct to, or perhaps even a replacement for, standard therapies -- including medication,” he said.

Russoniello further stated that research indicated games had both short (after 30 minutes of game play) and long term (after one month) positive effects when compared to the control group, suggesting that video game play provokes physiological and biochemical effects consistent with positive changes in mood and anxiety.

“Given that only 25 percent of people who suffer from depression are receiving treatment, it seems prudent to make these low cost, readily accessible casual games video games available to those who need them,” he said. “They should be made available at health clinics, community centers, online 'medical sites' and given out by therapists as a means of intervention.”

Bottom line? Whether you suffer from a severe mood disorder or not, you may want to consider turning to your favorite casual game the next time you feel blue. And although you may never be able to convince a therapist to write you a prescription for Angry Birds, it is always worthwhile to look into treatment alternatives for any disorder -- especially when they’re as inexpensive and entertaining as a game.