LIFTnow: An Innovative CBTi-based Video Game for the Treatment of Insomnia-View Presentation

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Video Summary

Dr. Nina Vossen, a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford, oversees Brainstorm, Stanford's lab for mental health innovation. The lab targets the impact of technology and social media on mental health, particularly since these platforms were not initially designed with mental health in mind. They've collaborated with companies like Pinterest and TikTok, aiming to ensure these platforms do no harm and potentially improve mental health.<br /><br />The presentation highlights the benefits and drawbacks of video games on mental health, citing their potential to decrease loneliness, enhance cognition, and help with emotional regulation. Video games can also offer psychoeducation, exemplified by games like Hellblade, which portrays psychosis to foster understanding and empathy.<br /><br />Ethical considerations in using video games for mental health are crucial, particularly concerning privacy, informed consent, and equity. For video games to be widely used in mental health, there must be education and research to demonstrate their efficacy.<br /><br />The team developed LiftNow, a platform using the video game Minecraft to address insomnia in veterans. The game integrates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and employs Minecraft's customizable nature to provide an engaging and interactive experience. Players advance through scenarios, receiving rewards for following healthy sleep practices within the game. The goal is to provide a scalable, enjoyable tool for mental health treatment, leveraging familiar technology to engage users.<br /><br />Overall, this initiative highlights the potential for video games to play significant roles in mental health care, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between clinicians and game developers.

Keywords

Dr. Nina Vossen

Stanford

Brainstorm lab

mental health innovation

technology impact

social media

video games

psychoeducation

ethical considerations

LiftNow

Minecraft