Video games have sparked debate over whether or not they're detrimental to one's health for as long as they've been around, with studies consistently going back and forth between video games causing or helping violent behavior in children and young adults. However, a new study has found that video game therapy may be able to help those with ADHD.
The study, which was performed by the Duke Clinical Research Institute, divided a group of 350 children with ADHD, ages 8-12, into two groups, one of which was assigned to play regular video games, while the other played a game specifically used to combat ADHD. The children then played their respective games for 25 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. None of the children in the study had been prescribed other forms of ADHD medication.
After four weeks, the study found that children who underwent video game therapy outperformed the control group in attention span-related testing. Video games are frequently used as a scapegoat for violent behavior, with some even blaming mass-shootings on video games. Seeing a study find the benefits of gaming, even if it requires specialized software, is refreshing.
Previous studies have also found benefits for those suffering from both mental and physical disorders. One recent study found that VR could help treat patients with traumatic brain injuries. Duke's study on ADHD didn't go so far as to claim that video game therapy should replace traditional methods, but if anything is clear, it's that the medical benefits of video games may still be under-appreciated, which certainly warrants exploring any potential benefits further.
Video games have come a long way in the decades since their initial debut. Using them for more practical applications like ADHD treatment would have been considered incredibly strange just years ago. However, things have changed pretty radically in the last few years, so it makes sense that they're beginning to be explored as an option.
Who knows what other benefits may be found in the future. There will likely always be detractors that say video games cause violence– whether science supports that conclusion or not. However, video games are becoming more of the cultural mainstream, and that likely means that radical shifts in their perception are finally coming.
Source: Duke Health