# Nimhans study links fantasy sports to stress in teens 2026-08-18T05:56:10+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) has found that fantasy sports participation can become an emotional crutch for vulnerable adolescents, linked to symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Researchers surveyed 122 fantasy sports users aged 17-19 between July 2024 and April 2025, using the I-PACE model to examine behavioural addiction. They found that adolescents with frustration-related temperament traits and escapism-driven motivations reported higher psychological distress. The study noted that about 4% of respondents met criteria for gaming disorder, while nearly 15% had made financial transactions on these platforms. Researchers said participants were drawn by sports interest and escapism, often using fantasy sports to cope with academic pressure. Those with stronger self-control showed lower distress. The study was conducted before several fantasy sports platforms shut down in India following regulatory changes. Anamika Sahu, associate professor at Nimhans, said the research aimed to understand attraction to these platforms and associated psychological factors. The findings suggest future interventions should focus on promoting healthy coping strategies and responsible engagement. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Anamika Sahu, Bengaluru, NIMHANS Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/nimhans-study-links-fantasy-sports-to-stress-in-teens/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/nimhans-study-links-fantasy-sports-to-stress-in-teens/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/