Clinical Research of the Effect of Video Games in Relieving Depression in Adolescent Leukemia Patients

Abstract

Goal: to observe if video games have a positive effect on the remission of depression in pediatric leukemia. Method: In a year 70 children and teenagers with leukemia were given a questionnaire about their video game affairs and were evaluated with PHQ - 9 depression scale. Experimental group was set for those with interest for electronic games, who were served with additional video games besides conventional disease nursing and psychological care. Control group was set for those without interest for electronic games who were served with no video games. Two weeks later subjects of both groups were evaluated with PHQ - 9 depression scale again and result was compared. Result: Subjects in experimental group showed less depressed than those in control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Proper application of video games have a positive effect on the remission of depression in pediatric leukemia. More care and support are required in the psychological management for pediatric leukemia.