Benefits of video games for people with schizophrenia: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose of reviewIn spite of the overwhelming concerns about the deleterious impact of exposure to video games, a growing body of evidence suggests that it may be of potential interest for therapeutic purposes, particularly in schizophrenia. As literature is rapidly evolving, we carried out a systematic review of recent articles on this issue.Recent findingsWe identified seven studies published from 2017 to 2022 exploring the benefits of commercial video games in people with schizophrenia and related disorders regarding symptoms, cognition and functional outcome. Six studies used an RCT design. Associations between gaming and better outcomes were found in three main areas: physical condition (walking speed, aerobic fitness), neurocognition (processing speed, memory and executive functions), and social functioning, self-efficacy in daily life activities and quality of life.SummaryActive use of video games is associated with better aerobic fitness and cognitive performances. Video gaming may contribute to better functional outcome and quality of life in patients suffering from cognitive impairments and difficulties in social functioning. Persons with schizophrenia may benefit from using commercial video games because of their potential therapeutic impact on functioning and cognition.

Practical psychiatry: Taking gaming seriously – a primer for psychiatrists on gamers and gaming culture

“…15 There is also evidence that commercial videogames are therapeutic for people with diverse challenges, including increasing social connectedness in young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 16 and are associated with improved physical condition, neurocognition, social functioning, self-efficacy and quality of life in people with schizophrenia. 17 A systematic review of 28 studies of players of videogames found that there were benefits for reduced stress and anxiety in healthy people, as well as for Parkinson's disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical disabilities and chronic medical conditions. 11 There may be added mental health benefits for trans and gender diverse young people in being able to explore their identity expression through gaming avatars in a safe virtual environment.…”

Impact of gaming disorder on first episode psychosis patients' evolution: Protocol for a multicentered prospective study

“…Additionally, they have shown improvements in cognitive functions, social cognitions, and occupational status (Amado et al, 2016; Chan et al, 2010; Rus‐Calafell et al, 2014; Wiederhold & Riva, 2013). Although the understanding of the impact of commercial video games on PD is limited, a recent literature review highlights several advantages of these types of games, with seven studies reporting positive outcomes (Quiles & Verdoux, 2023). Among them, four studies revealed enhanced processing speed, memory, and executive functions through the use of commercial video games, while three studies demonstrated improvements in aerobic fitness and walking speed in patients who engaged in active video games utilizing the Kinect for Xbox game system (Bang‐Kittilsen et al, 2021; Roberts et al, 2021; Shimizu et al, 2017; Välimäki et al, 2021).…”

Impact of Gaming Disorder on First Episode Psychosis Patients’ Evolution: Protocol for a Multicentered Prospective Study

“…Additionally, they have shown improvements in cognitive functions, social cognitions, and occupational status [40][41][42][43]. Although the understanding of the impact of commercial video games on PD is limited, a recent literature review highlights several advantages of these types of games, with seven studies reporting positive outcomes [44]. Among them, four studies revealed enhanced processing speed, memory, and executive functions through the use of commercial video games, while three studies demonstrated improvements in aerobic fitness and walking speed in patients who engaged in active video games utilizing the Kinect for Xbox game system [45][46][47][48].…”