Based on a specially conducted experiment, German researchers have shown that the Super Mario Odyssey computer game, which has been known to many people from all over the world since childhood, reduces the symptoms of depression by almost half.

The study involved dividing 46 volunteers with diagnosed clinical depression into three groups. The members of the first group played Super Mario Odyssey (Mario) for six weeks in a row. The second group was actively working with a program for training cognitive functions of the brain called “CogPack”. The third group of respondents underwent standard medication and psychotherapy.

The results of the study showed that experts rated the mental state of Mario players 50% better than those who trained with CogPack. People who underwent the classical course of treatment did not show any positive results at all during this period.

According to a scientific conclusion, playing Mario can help treat depression, is an opportunity to distract from problems and become part of an exciting and positive game universe that allows a person to relax and forget about everyday worries for a while.

In addition, playing Mario requires the player to concentrate, be able to make quick decisions and develops logical thinking. Together, this helps to activate the cognitive functions of the brain and improve the overall emotional state.

It is emphasized that only computer games, including Mario, are not the only way to treat depression, but they have a positive effect on a person’s mental health.

Source: https://medzdrav.info/

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