A new clinical study underwritten by PopCap and conducted by East Carolina University has found that playing non-violent casual games reduces measurable depression symptoms and anxiety levels.

The university studied 59 adults diagnosed with clinical depression, half of which played PopCap titles Bejeweled 2, Bookworm Adventures or Peggle for 12 sessions of around 40 minutes over the course of a month, Gamasutra reports.

Questions and physiological sensors were used to measure depression symptoms, anxiety levels, heart rate and brain function.

Those who played the games saw a 57 percent reduction in depression symptoms compared to those that didn't. The game playing group also showed an average 55 percent decrease in anger levels and 58 percent better fatigue levels than those that didn't play the games.

"The results of this randomised clinical study clearly demonstrate the intrinsic value of certain casual games in terms of significant, positive effects on depression and anxiety symptoms," the researchers said.

"In our opinion these findings support the use of prescribed casual video games for treating depression and anxiety as an adjunct to, or even replacement for, standard therapies including medication."

PopCap's Bejeweled 3 - its first full sequel for six years - was released in December.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/28 ... ety-study/

Has anyone got a pic of a completely impartial failboat?