Zombies vs. Anxiety

AbstractObjective. Anxiety is a typical reaction to stress and when uncontrolled, clinical anxiety disorders may develop. Traditional anxiety interventions have established efficacy; however, they are often costly and stigmatizing. This study examined prescribed casual video game CVG play added to an SSRI prescription in reducing symptoms of anxiety compared to a two-medication treatment group.Materials and methods. We used data from a larger study examining depression and CVGs. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology screened participants for depression using a score of ? 5 mild depression. Participants chose to participate in the alternative n = 30 or traditional n = 24 group. Alternative group participants were prescribed CVG play four times per week for 30-45 minutes over a one-month period. Traditional intervention group participants were prescribed a second medication. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to test hypotheses.Results. Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant decrease in state anxiety scores after the one-month prescription and a medium to large effect for the alternative group. Trait anxiety results did not demonstrate significance; however, the group had a medium effect size.Conclusion. Clinicians should consider these non-stigmatizing and low-cost CVGs as a feasible intervention for patients who wish not to take additional medication.