Study: Excessive Gaming Leads To Depression

Initial results from an Australian study show that gamers who spend an excess of 21 hours a week gaming report greater levels of depression and anxiety.

The study examines “academic results, relationships and physical and mental health” and is being conducted by Daniel Loton at Victoria University, on two groups of gamers – those who spend 21 hours or less per week gaming, and those who exceed that margin.The latter reportedly suffer from 25% more depression and 15% more stress and anxiety and may use gaming as a “coping mechanism” to escape from real world problems.

Loton did admit that past studies have also led to conclusion that gamers in general showcase above-average stress, anxiety and depression. “But most alarming was that excessive gamers scored more than half the maximum measure for each and enough to determine clinical significance,” he added.

The study is still ongoing and has yet to come to the conclusion that excessive gaming is the cause, as there are several other contributing factors that can come into play.

What do you make of this report as gamers? Let us know below.