German scientists from the University Hospital Bonn have discovered that video games can improve the condition of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Their findings are based on a study of the effects of Japanese company Nintendo’s Super Mario Odyssey game on the condition of people with MDD. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Frontiers of Psychology (FIP).
During the test, 46 people diagnosed with MDD were divided into three groups. The first group played Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch handheld console, the second received the usual treatment for depression, and the third used a cognitive exercise program.
The study found Mario Odyssey players had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, as well as increased motivation to continue treatment and improved visuospatial memory.
Scientists also noted that the results obtained should be approached with caution due to the small number of patients participating in the experiment.
Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform video game released on Nintendo Switch in 2017. In this game, the player controls Mario, the plumber, who travels through various fantasy worlds to save Princess Peach from the evil turtle dragon Bowser. The game has sold approximately 27 million copies worldwide since its release.
happened before known On the development of a Russian app to detect depression.