What does a survey of video games to help kid’s mental health show? Elizabeth Tracey reports

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Can video games help children and adolescents with mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD or depression? A Johns Hopkins study led by psychiatrist Barry Bryant aimed to find out.

Bryant: What we found were about 30 randomized controlled trials looking at these. When pulled together they were moderately effective for ADHD and depression, less so for anxiety. We also found some interesting moderators. We found that when these games were played on a computer as opposed to a tablet or a smartphone they were more effective, and we also found that when they were played with a time limit they were also more effective. Our thought about that is when there are more structural elements the kids are able to focus better.                        :28

Bryant says this study is especially important because there’s a shortage of mental health professionals to help the increasing numbers of people who are reporting mental health issues, and that shortage is even more acute among those who treat children and adolescents. He notes that these games are not a substitute for treatment but an adjunct. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.