SPARX is a computer game for young people who show signs of depression. It recently won a World Summit Award 2011 in the category of e-Health and Environment, which honors excellence in multimedia and e-Content creation. Forty winners are selected from 100 countries.
SPARX is a self-help computer programme for young people with symptoms of depression. The programme has been developed by a team of specialists in treating adolescent depression from the University of Auckand. The project was led by Associate Professor Sally Merry. Metia Interactive designed the software. Funding has been provided by the Ministry of Health.
In order to actively engage young people, SPARX uses a 3D fantasy game environment and a custom-made soundtrack. The programme teaches skills to manage symptoms of depression, in a self-directed learning format.
Young people learn cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for dealing with symptoms of depression (e.g. dealing with negative thoughts, problem-solving, activity scheduling, and relaxation). It can be used with minimal oversight.
Users are able to customise their avatar and journey to the seven Provinces, each with a unique set of challenges and puzzles.
And there in the next room by the sofa sat a familiar suitcase, that of his psychiatrist Dr. Smile.