Henry L. Bennett

"This is a dramatic shift compared with the generalized increase in anxiety in the other groups," said Henry L. Bennett, a member of the UMDNJ study team.

"This is a dramatic shift compared with the generalized increase in anxiety in the other groups," said Henry L. Bennett, a member of the UMDNJ study team.Girls were comforted by Game Boys as well as boys, the researchers said.

Bennett said children do not have the coping skills needed to understand why they are being strapped down to a table and a mask is being put on their face.The trauma is real, though usually short-lived.

Patel and Bennett said they expect other hospitals to begin using Game Boys, which are also convenient for operating room staff since, unlike drugs which wear off, they continue to be effective if surgery is postponed.