Videogiochi per CURARE le MALATTIE MENTALI

Summary

In this video, the host explores the innovative project 'Arcturus' by two medical specialists in Parma, Italy. They aim to use video games as a therapeutic tool for preventing and treating mental illnesses, focusing on anxiety and empathy. The project is inspired by studies showing video games' positive impacts on stress relief, rehabilitation, memory improvement, and even preventing dementia. The video encourages viewers to participate in a survey to contribute to the research, highlighting the potential of gaming in healthcare.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The video discusses the potential of using video games as a therapeutic tool for mental health, specifically for anxiety and empathy.
• 👨‍⚕️ The project is led by two medical specialists, Ferdinando Fichtner and Cristoforo Di Porto, from the University of Parma.
• 🏛️ The interview takes place at the University of Parma's biotechnological complex, highlighting the academic nature of the research.
• 🤔 The idea for the project originated from a conference on new technologies for prevention, suggesting the positive impacts of video games on mental health.
• 🕹️ The project, named 'Arcturus' after a Simpsons episode, aims to explore the relationship between video game players and sociality.
• 📊 They are conducting a study to understand if playing specific video games can improve anxiety and empathy levels.
• 📈 Past studies have shown both negative and positive effects of video games, including increased violence and stress relief.
• 👴 Positive outcomes like improved memory and reflexes in the elderly, and better rehabilitation outcomes, have been linked to video game use.
• 💊 The project is also interested in whether video games could replace or supplement traditional pharmacological therapies for mental health.
• 📝 They are using social media platforms to promote their project and collect data through a questionnaire to develop potential therapies.
• 📅 The project timeline aims to have an initial phase completed by April 2025, with a longer-term goal of 3-4 years for active experimentation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the project discussed in the transcript?

The main focus of the project is to explore the use of video games as a therapeutic tool for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, particularly examining the relationship between video gaming and sociality, as well as dimensions of anxiety and empathy.

Who are Ferdinando Fichtner and Cristoforo Di Porto?

Ferdinando Fichtner and Cristoforo Di Porto are medical residents specializing at the University of Parma, Italy, and they are the researchers behind the project aiming to study the impact of video games on mental health.

What inspired the researchers to start the 'Progetto Arcturus'?

The idea for 'Progetto Arcturus' was inspired during the National Congress of Hygienists in Padua, where they were exploring new technologies for prevention strategies. They were particularly intrigued by the presentation of the Luca Comics program and decided to investigate the impact of video games on anxiety and sociality.

What is the significance of the name 'Progetto Arcturus'?

The name 'Progetto Arcturus' was chosen because one of the researchers is a big fan of 'The Simpsons', and there is an episode where Homer works for a project called 'Project Arcturus'. The name was liked and thus chosen for their project.

What are some of the positive effects of video games mentioned in the transcript?

Some positive effects of video games mentioned include catharsis, where playing violent video games can help release stress without leading to real-life violence; the use of exergames in postoperative rehabilitation, which increases motivation and leads to better outcomes; and the improvement of memory and reflexes in the elderly.

How does the 'Remission' video game contribute to the treatment of young cancer patients?

The 'Remission' video game was developed to help young cancer patients by having them play as a white blood cell eliminating bad cells (cancer cells). This game was used as a form of therapy, and it was found that patients were more willing to follow treatment, leading to better outcomes.

What was the outcome of the study using 'Super Mario Odyssey' for treating depression?

In the study using 'Super Mario Odyssey', a group of individuals with diagnosed depression was divided into two groups. One group received traditional pharmacological therapy, while the other replaced it with playing 'Super Mario Odyssey' for an hour and a half daily. The group playing the game showed more motivation to continue therapy and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.

What is the role of the questionnaire in the 'Progetto Arcturus'?

The questionnaire in 'Progetto Arcturus' is used to gather data from participants, which will help the researchers develop targeted interventions and possibly prescribe video games as therapy. It also aids in understanding the potential of video games in preventing mental health issues.

What are the researchers' plans after collecting data from the questionnaire?

After collecting data from the questionnaire, the researchers plan to develop a therapy and conduct further studies on the prescription of video games as therapy. They aim to start an active experimental project to see if video games can effectively replace certain pharmacological therapies.

How can the audience support the 'Progetto Arcturus'?

The audience can support 'Progetto Arcturus' by participating in the study by filling out the questionnaire, which can be found in the description of the video or in the first comment section. This will help the researchers in their research and development of the project.