Computer games tie with therapists in fight against teen depression: study

Researchers today said a new computer game has proven as effective as face-to-face therapy when it comes to treating teen depression, reported CBC News.

Researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand monitored 187 teenagers diagnosed with symptoms of mild to moderate depression as half the group played a fantasy computer game called SPARX and the other half received one-on-one counseling, FOX News reported. 

The news may be a help to young people struggling with depression who cannot afford counseling. Nearly one-quarter of adolescents fall prey to depressive disorders by age 19, the study said, but only 20 percent receive treatment, according to CBC. 

The new SPARX computer game focuses on changing negative habits of mind by repeatedly counteracting them using game-style interactivity mechanisms. In the game, players battle against a world invaded by GNATS (Gloomy Negative Automatic Thoughts), said FOX News.

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They work through seven levels that focus on topics like "finding hope," "recognizing unhelpful thoughts," and "emotions," said CBC. 

Results found that SPARX equally effective in helping reduce symptoms as in-person therapy, according to FOX News. 

The findings suggested "clinically significant reduction in depression, anxiety and hopelessness, and an improvement in quality of life," said the report in the British Medical Journal today, according to CBC.