Scientists Used Mario Game to Treat Depression. Here's What Happened

That time spent with Mario could be better for you than you might expect. At least that's according to the results of a new study.

Researchers in Germany recently published a study in Frontiers of Psychology that looked at how playing 3D video games can treat cognitive symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), including "reduced affect, mood, and cognitive impairments such as memory problems." 

In the study, 46 participants diagnosed with MDD were split into three groups, with one playing the Nintendo Switch game Super Mario Odyssey, while another used a cognitive training computer program (CogPack), and a third underwent traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication. 

After six weeks, the Super Mario Odyssey group saw the greatest decrease in self-reported MDD symptoms, with instances falling nearly 50 percent. Furthermore, the Super Mario Odyssey group reported much higher motivation to continue treatment than the other groups. 

“Furthermore, results suggest significant improvements in tasks of visuo-spatial (working) memory performance during post-testing in both training groups, however, the 3D video gaming group demonstrates more selective improvements and does not perform significantly better than the other two groups," according to the study authors. "Still, these mixed findings suggest that video game training may be a cost-effective and feasible intervention for patients with MDD that can be used in conjunction with regular treatment and therapy.”

The study focused on MDD's cognitive symptoms—like memory and problem solving—rather than the affective symptoms—like feelings of sadness or decrease in pleasure. Previous research has found that 3D games like Super Mario Odyssey engage the hippocampus, a part of the brain associated with learning and memory. 

A 2015 study in the Journal of Neuroscience found that 3D video games boosted memory performance by 12 percent compared to 2D counterparts, while a 2017 Nature study found 3D platform games helped boost hippocampus grey matter.

As the researchers note, the small sample size and non-blinded methodology of the study means more research is needed. Still, it's an interesting finding as you put those holiday gifts to use. 

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/vrHG7Ss