How games on smartphones can treat DEPRESSION by boosting cognitive function

tunisante January 4, 2017

Scientists at the University of Washington have found a link between console usage and heightened mood
They claim its effectiveness stems from targeting underlying mental issues associated with the disorder, rather than just managing the symptoms
The findings could potentially help treat millions of people who claim to suffer from depression

James Draper For Mailonline

Published:
13:01 EST, 4 January 2017

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Updated:
15:31 EST, 4 January 2017

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There’s no denying the popularity of games on our smartphones and tablets.

But, despite their impressive ability to entertain, it seems they may also play a surprising role in tackling depression – after researchers found evidence they improve brain function.

Scientists from the University of Washington report that the process of playing such games inadvertently targeting underlying cognitive issues associated with the disorder, rather than just managing the symptoms.

Mind games: Scientists at the University of Washington have found a link between console usage and heightened mood

Specifically, they were referring to a piece of tablet-based treatment technology called Project EVO, which is specifically designed to improve neurological performance.

The sample group – who all suffered from later-life depression – were required to play the game five times a week for 20 minutes.

Subsequently displayed evidence of improved mood and attention capability. The findings were published in the journal Depression and Anxiety on Wednesday.

‘We found that moderately depressed people do better with apps like this because they address or treat correlates of depression,’ said Patricia Arean, who is the study’s senior author.

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Project EVO is undergoing multiple clinical trials for use in cognitive disorders – including Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the company is on path for potential FDA clearance for the game’s use to treat pediatric ADHD.

The researchers have no commercial interests in the intervention manufactured by Akili Interactive Labs in Boston.

Helping hands: They claim its effectiveness stems from targeting underlying mental issues associated with the disorder, rather than just managing the symptoms

‘While EVO was not directly designed to treat depressive symptoms; we hypothesized that there may indeed be beneficial effects on these symptoms by improving cognitive issues with targeted treatment, and so far, the results are promising,’ said Joaquin Anguera, a University of California professor who headed-up the study with Arean.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, depression affects around 22 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women aged 65 years and over 65.

Despite this, it’s estimated that 85 per cent of older people with depression receive no help at all from the NHS.

National help: According to the Mental Health Foundation, depression affects around 22 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women aged 65 years and over 65