The Power of Video Games in Improving Children’s Mental Health
Video games have long been a source of entertainment for children and teenagers, but recent studies have shown that they can also play a role in improving mental health. In a review of previous studies, a team from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center has found that certain video games designed as mental health interventions can be helpful tools in enhancing the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics on September 23, 2024, the team analyzed studies from peer-reviewed journals between 2011 and March 20, 2024. The findings shed light on the potential benefits of gamified digital mental health interventions for young individuals facing mental health challenges.
According to statistics, an estimated 20% of children and teenagers in the U.S. suffer from mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorders. Suicide rates among high school students have also increased by over 40% in the decade leading up to 2019. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated these issues, leading to a spike in mental health issues among young individuals. Despite the growing demand for pediatric mental health care, there is still a shortage of providers, resulting in longer wait times for appointments.
Dr. Barry Bryant, a resident in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the lead author of the study, highlights the importance of exploring alternative approaches to mental health care for children. Recognizing the limitations in traditional interventions, the team delved into the potential of gamified digital mental health interventions to address the needs of children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
The team, led by Dr. Bryant and child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Joseph McGuire, reviewed 27 trials from the U.S. and around the world, involving a total of 2,911 participants aged six to 17. These digital mental health interventions encompassed various games tailored to target specific conditions, such as racing and multitasking games for ADHD, and psychotherapy-oriented games for depression and anxiety. The games were accessible through different technology platforms, including computers, tablets, video game consoles, and smartphones.
While the outcome measurements varied across studies, the research team standardized the effect sizes to compare the impact of interventions. The analysis revealed that video games designed for ADHD and depression showed modest reductions in symptoms, such as improved attention and decreased sadness. However, games targeting anxiety did not demonstrate significant benefits in alleviating anxiety symptoms.
Dr. McGuire emphasizes the importance of these findings as a step towards enhancing mental health care for children. While the results are modest, they provide a promising avenue for addressing mental health issues, particularly for ADHD and depression. The accessibility of gamified mental health interventions makes them a viable option for families seeking alternative treatments for their children.
Despite the positive outcomes, the team acknowledges certain limitations in the study, such as the lack of standardized outcome measures and variability in participant engagement. They also highlight concerns about video game addiction and screen time, emphasizing the importance of structured, time-limited gameplay for optimal results.
As Dr. McGuire aptly puts it, “Having multiple tools in the toolbox can significantly benefit the increasing demand for child mental health care.” With ongoing research and innovation, video games have the potential to revolutionize mental health interventions for children and teenagers, offering a unique and engaging approach to improving their well-being.
Together with co-author Morgan Sisk from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the team at Johns Hopkins Medicine hopes to continue exploring the role of video games in mental health interventions and make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals facing mental health challenges.
Supported by generous donors and Johns Hopkins Medicine, the study underscores the importance of leveraging technology to address mental health issues in children and adolescents. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of video games, we can pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for the next generation.
