Meditation as a Potential Treatment for Depression and Gaming Addiction

Recent research suggests that mindfulness meditation may offer a beneficial approach for individuals grappling with depression alongside Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrolled gaming. A study published in PNAS Nexus involved 59 participants diagnosed with both depression and IGD. Participants were divided into two groups: one engaged in progressive muscle relaxation, while the other underwent mindfulness meditation training tailored specifically for addiction. The meditation sessions, conducted twice weekly over four weeks, focused on observing cravings as transient waves that rise and fall, helping individuals develop acceptance and non-reactivity.

Results indicated that those practicing mindfulness meditation experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms, lower scores on internet addiction assessments, and decreased cravings for gaming. Brain imaging showed decreased neural responses to gaming stimuli and heightened activity in the lentiform nucleus, potentially indicating a reduction in anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure. These findings imply that mindfulness meditation can modulate neural pathways associated with pleasure and craving, making it a promising complementary treatment for co-occurring depression and IGD.

Compared to progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation showed more substantial improvements in symptoms. This highlights the potential of mental health interventions that incorporate mindfulness strategies in managing behavioral addictions and mood disorders. As gaming disorder becomes an increasingly recognized mental health challenge, meditation offers a non-invasive, accessible approach to help regulate cravings and improve emotional well-being.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-meditation-depression-gaming-addiction.html