Gamified mental health interventions could help kids with depression and ADHD

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-09-24 01:00

International

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Gamified mental health interventions could help young people with mental health conditions such as depression and ADHD, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from 27 studies including 2911 participants, and found digital mental health interventions that used games were effective in improving the severity of ADHD and depressive symptoms, but not anxiety symptoms. The team also noted more male participants experienced larger effects, however, this might be due to the type of game – for example, interventions for ADHD used action and driving games, which might appeal more to boys than girls in many cases, they say. The platform and timing also mattered, according to the team, with computer-based delivery being more effective for ADHD, likely due to computers often being set up in quiet locations with limited distractions, and imposed time limits having more positive effects on those with depression.

News release

From: JAMA

Efficacy of Gamified Digital Mental Health Interventions for Pediatric Mental Health Conditions

JAMA Pediatrics

About The Study: The findings of this study suggest a benefit of gamified digital mental health interventions for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depressive disorder. Pediatricians and other health care professionals have new information about novel, accessible, and efficacious options for pediatric mental health care.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Pediatrics

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Johns Hopkins University, USA

Funder: Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr McGuire reported grants from the National Institutes of Health, Tourette Association of America, and Misophonia Research Fund and personal fees from Emalex Biosciences, Syneos Health, Noema Pharma, Elsevier, and Springer Nature outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

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