Globally, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are on the rise. These conditions can manifest acutely or chronically, often accompanied by subclinical symptoms that go unnoticed. The stigma surrounding mental health issues and limited access to traditional treatments create a significant treatment gap worldwide. To bridge this gap, researchers have turned their attention to alternative solutions, including commercial video games.
As mobile game development continues to evolve, it's essential to recognize the potential benefits of these games in mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Recent studies suggest that regular gaming can improve cognitive functions like attention control, cognitive flexibility, and information processing.
The Rise of Mobile Game Development
In recent years, mobile game development has seen tremendous growth. With over 2.7 billion video gamers worldwide, the demand for engaging and accessible games has never been higher. This explosion in popularity has led to a surge in research focused on harnessing the therapeutic potential of these games.
Mental Health Challenges
Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, affecting over 14% of the population. These conditions often co-occur, with up to 81% of individuals experiencing both depression and anxiety at some point in their lifetime. Moreover, mental health problems are frequently accompanied by chronic physical comorbidities, such as somatoform disorders, cancer, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic pain, and visual and auditory impairments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, leading to increased symptoms of mental health disorders worldwide. In response, researchers have turned their attention to alternative solutions like commercial video games, which can be accessed remotely, offering an inexpensive and accessible way to address mental wellness concerns.
Background
The current global pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health support systems. Prolonged isolation and social distancing measures have contributed to increased symptoms of mental health disorders, including loneliness, stress, and general poor mental health. The risk of relapse and exacerbation is also elevated among preexisting mental health issues.
In light of these challenges, mobile game development has the potential to play a significant role in mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety. By harnessing the therapeutic benefits of commercial video games, we can develop effective, stigma-free resources for addressing mental wellness concerns.