Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine investigated whether a video game could be used to detect signs of depression.
That is according to HealthDay, citing a new study published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In the game, participants collect apples from digital trees. Each time a tree is used, it produces fewer apples than before.
Players therefore have to decide when it is more beneficial to move on to a new tree.
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The study included 120 participants, 50 of whom had been diagnosed with depression.
Clear differences
The researchers observed clear differences between the participants. People without depression tended to stay with the same tree longer, even when it produced fewer apples.
Participants with depression stopped earlier and switched to new trees more quickly.
According to the researchers, this may be linked to anhedonia, a condition in which people lose enjoyment of activities they would normally find pleasurable.
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The researchers also believe the test could help distinguish between different types of depression.
Fast method
According to the researchers, the method can be used remotely via a smartphone.
This could make it easier for doctors to monitor patients’ progress without requiring many in-person visits.
The researchers believe depression could be detected in as little as three minutes through the game.
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Sources: HealthDay and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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