Pokémon Go App Could Help Ward Off Depression

Psychologists and doctors have reported the app as a new psychological therapy to treat depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.

Pokémon Go is good for mental health, according to psychology and fitness experts. The app that was launched last week has been downloaded by millions of people. Some claim that the app could be the new workout.

Doctors have suggested that Pokémon could be beneficial for those who are dealing with depression.

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‘The Pokémon Go app has been welcomed by many users as it helps their mental health and wellbeing by encouraging gamers to head outside and exercise. ’

There are several therapies that help those who are dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. However, the effectiveness of each therapy depends on the emotional response of the patient being seen. Pokémon Go has been added to those list of therapies.

Dr. John Grohol, a Psychologist, who is an expert in technology's impact on human behavior and mental health said that many of his patients reported that after playing the popular game they noticed a significant change in their anxiety and depression levels.

This app could be a positive move for those millions of people who take medications to keep their mind stable.

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“I think it's an exciting development,” said J Graham Thomas, assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the Miriam Hospital's Weight Control Research Center.

“For a long time, the technology and gaming industries have been associated with a decrease in physical activity, and that has resulted in a lot of health problems.To see technology and gaming changing in a way that promotes physical activity and being around other people is really good.”

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The Pokémon Go app sends users running around streets and parks all over the world trying to catch virtual Pokémon with their cell phone cameras. The app creates the world that mirrors the user's own reality, using Google Maps.

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Source-Medindia