Can You Eliminate Suffering From Depression By Playing Video Games?

You may find this difficult to believe, but researchers at East Carolina University recently discovered that people suffering from depression could be helped by playing non-violent video games.

In a study underwritten by PopCap™ games, 30 subjects who had received a diagnosis of clinical depression played Bejeweled, Bookworm Adventures and Peggle, while a control group of 30 other depression sufferers acted as the non-playing control group.

Researchers took and recorded readings of subjects' biochemical, psychological, and pyscho-physiological states.

Remarkably, those subjects who played the video games saw their symptoms reduce by an average of 57%. In addition, moods improved and anxiety lessened.

The director of ECU's psychophysiology lab and biofeedback clinic was so encouraged by the results of this study she stated, "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. They should be made available at health clinics, community centers, online ‘medical sites,’ and given out by therapists as a means of intervention.”

Not only did game-playing subjects realize significant reductions in symptoms "across the board," but some subjects diagnoses were upgraded from moderate to severe to minor or minimal.

Additionally, those in the group playing these video games saw an average 36% improvement of their physical symptoms as well.

These beneficial effects were still present 30 minutes after the end of the game sessions, as well as, throughout the course of the month-long study.

More in-depth results of this study can be found at the ECU Web site.

So if you are interested in effective ways to eliminate suffering from depression try relaxing with your favorite G-rated video games.