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This is an interesting example of a video game targeting mental health. The designers created a 3D fantasy world with different realms in which players learn mental behavioral techniques used to combat depression. The game was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in teens with mild to moderate depression.

Such a great idea. In rural areas, the lack of mental health practitioners is a serious problem so we reserve referrals for children who are in dire circumstances. Children with moderate or mild depression almost never get services. This game has great potential!

That's such an excellent point Allison!

We talked briefly in class about how depression by definition is lack of motivation yet people who are depressed are somehow motivated to be on line and participate in online gaming. The articles I have posted give some insight to this, but I don't feel satisfied with the explanations they have. Any ideas?

there appears to be a link between internet usage and depression; i wonder if this study includes web-based games and social forums.

There's been a lot of buzz about whether video games are habit-forming, and whether parents are exaggerating when they say their teenagers are "addicted" to game playing. Now new research on children who are heavy gamers suggests parents may have something else to worry about: depression.

Discusses how gaming can be related to depression

The avatar movie motivated audiences, but paradoxically led to depression in some audience members who wanted to live in the virtual world.

Potential Risks of Videogame Addiction

a new study identifies risk factors for "pathological," or obsessive, gamers and says that such children become more depressed and anxious the more they play.