Some associate gaming with antisocial behavior or even violence. While we all know that it’s nothing more than a hobby, albeit sometimes an expensive one, scientists have decided to go even further and try to use video games as therapy for patients with Schizophrenia. The study in question was performed at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the University of Roehampton. Even though it’s just a pilot study, it actually shows quite a bit of promise. That’s because it aims to help patients control their hallucinations.
They enlisted twelve patients and placed them in a magnetic resonance imaging machine. Each patient got to look at a computerized rocket ship that reacted to the speech-registering part of the brain. The game involved landing the rocket safely, but no patient was given any instructions on how to do this. They had to “develop their own mental strategies to move it.” The part of the brain that causes verbal hallucinations had a slower activity while the patients focused on the task at hand. As the voices died off, they were able to land the ship safely. Dr. Natasza Orlov from King’s IoPPN explained:
“We encouraged our patients to use the same control strategies that they learnt in the MRI scanner at home. The patients know when the voices are about to start – they can feel it, so we want them to immediately put this aid into effect to lessen them, or stop the voices completely. Unfortunately, we don’t have effective treatments for all of the people with schizophrenia who hear voices and it’s great that this innovative research offers a novel approach to help patients with continued symptoms.”
Interestingly, patients were able to control that specific part of the brain after just four visits to the MRI. However, since there was no control group, the research is quite informal. Now, those behind the project want to perform the study on a larger scale.
By supporting eTeknix, you help us grow and continue to bring you the latest news, reviews, and competitions. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest technology, share your favourite articles, chat with the team and more. Also check out eTeknix YouTube, where you’ll find our latest video reviews, event coverage and features in 4K!
The Assassin's Creed Shadows development team has been facing a difficult time amid an ongoing…
More than twenty years after the launch of Vagrant Story, many are still dreaming of…
LIVE THE HORROR: An immersive disaster story aboard a stunningly realised North Sea oil rig,…
The Philips VA LED display uses an advanced multi-domain vertical alignment technology that gives you…
【TFT Screen: The Interactive Interface】This 75% mechanical keyboard comes equipped with a TFT Screen, serving…
FANDOM FUSION Play as your favorite characters and wield their unique weapons and skills. Team…