Computer games may have received a bad rap for fostering behavioural problems among young children, but one child psychologist has discovered some games have therapeutic benefits.

Andrew Campbell, a lecturer in psychology with the University of Sydney, has been researching ways to treat ADHD with therapeutic computer games. His ground-breaking research recently caught the attention of a major Singaporean gaming company, which is about to finalise a contract to fund an “e-lab” at the university.

Dr Campbell and PhD student Krestina Amon have discovered that an off-the-shelf computer game - in which the player wears bio-feedback sensors, and must use breathing and meditation techniques to advance through the levels - can markedly improve the stress and concentration levels of ADHD sufferers.

Now the international gaming company Nexon has agreed to fund Dr Campbell’s research and develop an e-lab within the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Together they plan to develop new therapeutic computer games that could increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety and help children manage ADHD.

“Nexon believes there is a whole new market for therapeutic games that deliver real outcomes, and we’ll provide the science,” Dr Campbell said.

The child psychologist hopes this treatment will offer parents an alternative to controversial stimulant medications used to treat ADHD.

“We’re not saying this is the holy grail of ADHD treatment, but our research has shown that therapeutic games can improve the concentration of those with mild or moderate ADHD.”

Source: The Australian, Austalia
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23869261-23289,00.html