Video games tested as depression treatment in large study

NCT ID NCT05426265

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Aalto University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether playing specially designed video games (MEL-T01 and MEL-S01) for 12 weeks could reduce depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Over 1000 participants were assigned to either the game therapy or usual care. The main goal was to see if depression scores improved more with the games.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: MEL-T01 and MEL-S01 (game-based digital therapy software devices)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to help ease depression symptoms without medication.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The effect may be small or not better than usual care. Digital games may not work for everyone with depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Aalto University (TMS)

Espoo, Uusimaa, 02150, Finland
Aalto University, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Espoo, Uusimaa, 02150, Finland
Helsinki University Hospital BioMag laboratory

Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00029, Finland
Helsinki University Hospital, Psychiatry

Helsinki, Uusimaa, 00014, Finland
Turku University Hospital

Turku, Southwest Finland, 20521, Finland
University of Helsinki Neuroscience Center (MEG, MRI)

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

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