# Video Games Help Detect and Cure Depression By Trendopoly | Published 2007-03-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-games-help-detect-and-cure-depression References: [blog.wired](http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/03/video_game_help.html) & [psp.about](http://psp.about.com/b/a/006673.htm) Video games are turning out to be useful in a very unexpected way... in the [detection and cure of depression](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-talk-squad). A new [spatial memory video game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-rehabilitation-system) is being used by researchers to detect depression, since studies have shown that depressed subjects perform more poorly than their non-depressed counterparts. Researchers have been so pleased with the success and accuracy of this tool that it may soon become a standard tool used to test for depression. As for curing depression, an Australian study of teens suffering from depression found that online gaming where withdrawn teens are forced to socialize can be very beneficial, especially when coupled with a supplement called Welatonin. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Spatial Memory Video Games for Diagnosis:** Development of more spatial memory video games for diagnosing mental health conditions. - **Gaming as Social Therapy:** The use of online gaming as a therapeutic tool to help individuals with depression in socializing and improving their mental health. - **Integration of Supplements with Gaming:** Exploration of the potential benefits of combining supplements with gaming to enhance mental health outcomes. ### Where This Applies - **Mental Health:** Utilizing innovative technologies and games for mental health assessment and treatment. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** Incorporating gaming platforms in mental health interventions and developing games for therapeutic purposes. - **Pharmaceuticals and Supplements:** Exploring the potential of combining supplements with gaming for mental health treatment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mental Health-Supporting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradise-island.md) - [Cognitive Virtual Reality Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epeli.md) - [VR-Powered ADHD Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-eyetracking-game.md) - [Cozy Self-Exploration Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/betwixt.md) - [Gamified VR Therapy Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/behavr.md) - [Socially Adept Gaming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-robots.md) - [Depression-Detecting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mental-wellness-app.md) - [Virtual Mental Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/help-club.md) - [Gaming Mental Health Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/never-fight-alone.md)