Video and computer games might be frowned upon by the former generation as they supposedly cause the degeneration of our youths’ minds, but researchers at the University College of London have used video games to great effect when it comes to understanding neuroanatomy as well as its connection with clinical depression. The type of games involved are those from the 3D virtual reality genre, so 2D platforms and puzzle games will have to sit this one out.

It seems that 3D video games are capable of challenging one’s spatial memory, giving rise to the claim that there is a link between depression and the hippocampus, also known as the brain’s memory hub. Apparently, the researchers found out that depressed people often performed poorly on the video game when compared to their non-depressed counterparts, showing some semblance of proof that the hippocampi in depressed people are not exactly working the way it is supposed to.

Previously, researchers used 2D memory tests in both groups but found out that neither had a distinct advantage over the other. This is only to be expected – after all 2D tests did not require one to make use of the hippocampus. So the next time your kid gets pwned frequently in Halo or some other arcade flight simulator, do pay closer attention to him/her just in case he/she is depressed. Early detection is vital when it comes to combating a disease like depression. Don’t expect to see this game being released on commercial shelves anytime soon though, as it was specially developed by scientists at the University College of London.

Source: Medgadget

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