Therapeutic effects of gaming: treatment of mental disorders

Beyond the recreational function of gaming, this activity has been shown to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of mental disorders, contributing to cognitive stimulation and the relief of stress and anxiety. We will delve into the positive effects of gaming in the therapy of mental disorders, as well as its detrimental impact and guidelines to avoid them.

Development of gaming and video games

In recent years, there has been an accelerated growth in the gaming industry. On the internet, there are a wide variety of gambling and gaming sites that offer great entertainment. One such option is the free slots at Slotozilla, which is a website that offers access to free casino games and reviews.

In recent years, both gaming and gambling have become a widely accepted form of entertainment. Although they are different activities, they share the quality of providing fun, intense emotions to the participants and the opportunity to interact with other players.

In addition, both gambling and video games can require strategic and decision-making skills, albeit in different ways. In general terms, some of the main differences between the two activities are summarised in the following table.

Gaming refers to the practice of playing video games for fun, competition or exploration. From casual games on mobile devices to action-adventure games on next-generation consoles, gaming has become part of popular culture and has spawned a global community of passionate gamers.

Therapeutic effects of gaming

Gaming has evolved from a mere pastime to an activity with multiple benefits that transcend the realm of entertainment. Its influence in areas such as socialisation and physical development is undeniable.

Video games, when used appropriately, can have positive effects on people's well-being, strengthening skills, promoting socialisation and improving physical dexterity and agility.

This activity can be a means for personal growth and development, showing that it can also have therapeutic effects in addressing certain mental disorders.

Although research in this field is still developing, benefits have been observed in areas such as improving cognitive skills, managing stress and anxiety, and promoting socialisation.

Some studies suggest that video games can be used as complementary tools in therapies for disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive rehabilitation. From this perspective, the key benefits of gaming include:

• Cognitive stimulation.
• Stress reduction, anxiety reduction and mood enhancement.
• Promotion of socialisation.
• Potential for addiction treatment.
• Virtual exposure therapy.

Cognitive stimulation

Video games can have positive effects on information processing, including perception, attention, decision making, problem solving and executive functions.

For this reason, some video games have been shown to be useful in the treatment of disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cognitive rehabilitation.

Stress reduction, anxiety reduction and mood enhancement

Gaming can be a way to escape from everyday stress and provide entertainment and fun. Gaming can help you relax, release tension and improve mood by providing a rewarding and exciting experience.

Some studies suggest that video games can be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety.

Promoting socialisation

Online video games promote social interaction and bonding. Many games offer the possibility to interact with other players through online communication.

This can help build friendships, form communities and share common interests. For this reason, it can be especially beneficial for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or socialisation difficulties.

Potential for addiction treatment

Although video game addiction is not yet officially recognised as a mental disorder in the DSM-5, it has been noted that appropriate treatment can have a favourable prognosis for those seeking help.

Virtual exposure therapy

Video games are also used in virtual exposure therapies to treat disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias. These games allow patients to gradually confront their fears in a controlled environment.

It is essential to emphasise that the therapeutic use of video games should be supervised by mental health professionals and tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Furthermore, not all mental disorders benefit equally from this form of treatment and more research is required to fully understand its effectiveness.

Disadvantages of gaming and suggestions for countering them

Gaming, despite its many benefits, can also have negative consequences if not practised in a balanced way. Abuse of video games can lead to:

• Addiction.
• Social isolation.
• Sleep disorder.
• Sedentary lifestyles.
• Difficulty concentrating on other activities outside the world of video games.
• Problems in differentiating between reality and fiction.
• Possible relationship with aggressive behaviour.
• Muscle and vision problems.

However, these adverse effects are not inevitable and can be prevented with a series of measures. Below, we will address some of the best practical tips to minimise the risks, promoting a healthy and enriching gaming experience:

• Use reliable and up-to-date security solutions to protect your computer from potential threats, such as malware and keyloggers.
• Don't isolate yourself completely while gaming. Look for opportunities to interact with other players, whether online or in person.
• Take regular breaks during long gaming sessions. Stand up, stretch your body and rest your eyes.
• Set time limits for gaming and avoid spending long hours in front of the screen.
• Pay attention to the content of video games and make sure they are age-appropriate.
• Communicate openly with your loved ones about your gaming hobby.
• Don't limit yourself to just gaming. Look for other activities that interest you and allow you to maintain a balanced lifestyle, e.g. outdoor activities, exercise, reading or other hobbies.
• Do a regular self-assessment to make sure that gaming is not negatively affecting other aspects of your life.

Conclusion

Video games may have therapeutic benefits in addressing certain mental disorders, including cognitive stimulation, decreasing stress and anxiety, improving mood, facilitating social interaction, potential for treating addictions, and virtual exposure therapy.

However, it is essential to have the guidance of mental health professionals and to tailor their use to each specific case. In addition, it is crucial to maintain balance and moderation in the time spent gaming to maximise the benefits and avoid possible negative effects.