- 1 in 6 children aged 2-8 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder, highlighting the importance of early and better intervention.
- Digital therapeutics, including video games, are proving to be effective tools in improving cognitive abilities and managing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children.
- Joon Health uses a gamified platform to enhance pediatric behavioral care by transforming therapy goals into interactive tasks.
Mental health influences children's overall well-being, influencing their thoughts, feelings, and actions. It affects how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. And issues with children's mental well-being, especially behavioral health issues, can cause significant stress and challenges, affecting daily routines and family dynamics.
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 children aged 2-8 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that untreated behavioral health issues can lead to long-term problems like academic struggle and social difficulties.
However, these issues aren't something that can't be solved. For instance, early intervention can improve outcomes in pediatric behavioral health. Meaning, the sooner a child gets the right treatment, the better their long-term outlook. It can even lower the risk of more severe issues later on and greatly enhance a child's functioning and quality of life.
Which is why the broader healthcare industry is ramping up innovation and producing solutions that deliver significant results.
Video Games' Impact on Executive Functioning and ADHD
Digital therapeutics offer an innovative solution to bridge the gap in pediatric behavioral health care. These new-age, tech-powered tools provide accessible, cost-effective, and engaging treatment options that can be integrated into daily routines.
Traditional therapy often relies on in-person sessions and can be difficult to schedule and attend, especially for children. But digital therapeutics can be accessed anytime and anywhere, providing a level of flexibility that is particularly beneficial for busy families.
As per a Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) study, digital therapeutic solutions using cognitive behavioral therapy have demonstrated efficacy in depression and anxiety.
Speaking of digital therapeutic solutions, video games are starting to make a significant contribution to the overall betterment of children’s mental health. .
Today, many such innovations in this space offer promising new ways to assist children and adults dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, research indicates that playing video games improves cognitive abilities. In fact, a study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours a day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games.
How Joon Health is Enhancing Pediatric Behavioral Care
Founded in 2021 by Isaac Eaves and Brad Brenner, Joon Health is one of those startups that are at the forefront of this digital therapeutic revolution. It provides a platform that transforms traditional therapy goals into interactive, measurable, and engaging activities for children and their parents.
By incorporating evidence-based behavior modification techniques and real-time monitoring, Joon Health aims to improve treatment outcomes, reduce waitlists, and alleviate the burden on families and healthcare providers.
Joon Health enhances pediatric behavioral health care through a comprehensive, technology-driven approach.
It starts with clinicians inputting personalized treatment goals for children and parents into the platform. These goals are translated into live, measurable treatment plans that can be monitored outside of traditional therapy sessions.
Next up, the treatment plans are integrated into a parent app, enabling caregivers to easily manage and track their child's therapy tasks as part of their daily routines.
Simultaneously, Joon Health transforms these treatment goals into a captivating video game experience for children. In this video game, children are assigned daily tasks and chores, referred to as "Quests," which they need to complete to advance in the game.
They start with age-appropriate tasks to focus on, with recommended tasks provided or the option to create custom tasks. Gamification keeps children on track as they choose a virtual pet, or "Doter," to care for by feeding, washing, and growing it.
This motivates them to stay focused on their real-life tasks to level up in the game. As children progress, they not only stay focused but also naturally develop life skills by building these tasks into their daily routines.
Behind the scenes, real-time monitoring and reporting functionalities empower clinicians and parents to track progress closely and gain insights into treatment effectiveness. By leveraging these insights, clinicians can adjust treatment plans dynamically, ensuring personalized and effective care tailored to each child's needs.
The Future of Pediatric Mental Health Care
In a world where mental health challenges among children are increasingly prevalent, the integration of technology and therapeutic practices represents a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of gamification and real-time monitoring, children can be provided with engaging and effective treatment while easing the burden on families and healthcare systems.
As we move forward, embracing these technological advancements will be essential in crafting a future where mental health care is accessible, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of every child.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
