Video games are good for coping with schizophrenia, new research shows.

| Upcoming action-adventure shooter video game Far Cry 5

by Miriam Gradel

If you are a gamer, there’ s a lot to be excited about this month: the new Final Fantasy, Devil May Cry, and not to mention Far Cry 5. But don’t forget to look after your brain.

Ongoing research into the effects of excessive gaming to our brain have already established the negatives. Previous studies have documented that gaming can lead to structural changes in the brain similar to those found in people suffering from schizophrenia and Parkinson’s. But a new study from King’s College, London, suggests that certain types of video games can help treat schizophrenia.

Charlie, 13, might be suffering from an early onset of bipolar and schizophrenia. Or so his home and hospital psychiatrist are arguing. “He is a big fan of platform games,” says Charlie’s mother, Gill, who wishes to remain anonymous. When she heard about the new research results at King’s College, London, it made sense. “When Charlie is in his room listening to music, playing games or drawing… that is when he is the calmest,” she says.

According to Dr Natasza Orlov, research conducted on people with verbal hallucinations, were able to control their brain activity and minimize the impact of voices when playing certain video games. The study showed that games with maps in them had the biggest damage to the brain, but that platform games like Super Mario were good for gaining control.

| Platform game Super Mario.

“Those suffering from schizophrenia are known to have a more activity in the auditory cortex, meaning an increased sensitivity to sound and voices,” says Dr Orlov. A neural feedback strategy was developed, which allowed patients to monitor their own neural activity in a video game. The game asked them to land a rocket safely on earth.

Patients were given no prior instructions, but were instead asked to develop their own mental strategies. MRI scans showed a decrease in neural activity in the speech sensitive region of the brain, and patients developed strategies to take with them into daily life.

As it is a pilot study, findings still need to be confirmed by further research; yet, this could mean a breakthrough in finding treatment alternatives for those with schizophrenia, who do not respond to medication.

“As parents the last thing you want to do is something that is going to put your child at risk,” says Gill. “It would be nice to get him home and out of hospital.”

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