Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It affects around 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide.
ADHD can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Finding effective treatments is therefore important. Along with medications and therapy, some research suggests video games may help manage ADHD symptoms. This article reviews the evidence on video games for ADHD.
Do video games improve attention in ADHD?
Poor sustained attention is a core symptom of ADHD. Tasks that require focused mental effort are challenging. This includes schoolwork, reading, work projects and more.
Could playing video games help train attention skills? Some research suggests they may:
– In a 2020 study, children with ADHD played a video game called Sea Hero Quest daily for 4 weeks. This 3D video game requires players to navigate mazes and avoid obstacles. After training, the children showed improvements in sustained attention on clinical tests.
– Another study had boys with ADHD play a non-violent video game at least 5 days per week for 1 month. Connors’ Continuous Performance Test was used to evaluate attention. The video game group showed significant improvement in attention scores while the control group did not.
– Playing action video games has been linked with better visual attention skills. Since poor attention is common in ADHD, researchers tested if action video games could help. In a 2019 study, 20 hours of action video game play improved multiple measures of visual attention in children with ADHD.
However, some studies show mixed results:
– A 2018 randomized trial had children with ADHD play a video game called Project: EVO. This game aims to train cognitive skills like attention, motor control, visual processing and more. But while the ADHD group improved at the video game itself, there were no significant differences on clinical tests of attention vs controls.
– Another study had adolescents with ADHD play an action video game for 10 hours. While the game improved visual attention as expected, it did not improve sustained auditory attention.
Overall, playing certain video games may help train visual attention skills in ADHD. However, benefits don’t always translate to measurable improvements on clinical attention tests. More research is needed to understand how video games can boost real-world attention capabilities.
Do video games reduce hyperactivity in ADHD?
Hyperactivity involves excessive fidgeting, tapping, talking and constant motion beyond what is typical for one’s age. This can manifest as restlessness, inability to sit still and difficulties engaging in calm activities.
Some research indicates video games may support children with ADHD in channeling hyperactive impulses:
– One study had children with ADHD play action video games for 30 minutes per day for 10 consecutive days. Participants showed significant reductions in hyperactive behaviors during game play. Parents also reported improvements in hyperactivity symptoms at home.
– Another study found similar results with just 20 minutes per day of video game play over 4 weeks. Teachers reported fewer hyperactive behaviors in the classroom for the video game group vs controls.
– Playing Wii active video games that involve physical movement has also been shown to decrease hyperactivity scores in youth with ADHD. This may help metabolize excess energy in a healthy way.
The interactive and stimulating nature of video games may make it easier for children with ADHD to sit still and concentrate for longer periods. However, more studies are needed on the duration of benefits after game play ends.
Do video games improve impulsivity in ADHD?
Impulsivity in ADHD involves actions like:
– Difficulty waiting one’s turn
– Interrupting others
-blurting out answers
– Making hasty decisions without thinking
Impulsivity can lead to problems like risky behaviors, accidents and social difficulties.
Some researchers have explored if the following aspects of video games can curb impulsive tendencies:
– Turn-taking: Multi-player games require waiting one’s turn, which could help practice patience.
– Consequences: Games simulate risky behaviors and their negative outcomes. This may teach youth to consider consequences before acting.
– Rule-following: Successfully playing games necessitates adhering to rules, overriding impulsive urges.
However, the research is currently very limited:
– One study found playing a simulation game improved waiting ability during a delay discounting task. This measure evaluates impulsivity by testing preference for immediate small rewards vs larger delayed rewards.
– Another study used an “Islands” game simulating risky decisions and outcomes. Children with ADHD who played made less risky choices on a gambling task after training, suggesting some improvement in impulsivity.
But overall, there is little evidence yet that video games directly target and reduce impulsive behaviors in ADHD. More research is required to assess this.
What types of video games may help with ADHD?
Given potential benefits for attention and hyperactivity, what kinds of video games may be most suitable for children with ADHD? Here are some options:
Action video games
Fast-paced action games like first-person shooter games require intense focus on visual stimuli and quick reaction times. Playing these games has been linked with better visual attention in some studies. Examples include the Call of Duty series and Apex Legends.
However, inappropriate content is a concern with some action games. Non-violent action games may be preferable, like racing and sports games.
Problem-solving games
Games that involve logic, strategy and critical thinking could help train executive functioning like planning and reasoning. These skills are often impaired in ADHD. Games like Portal 2, Zach-Like and Monument Valley require complex problem solving.
Exercise video games
Because hyperactivity is common in ADHD, active games that get kids moving may help metabolize excess energy. Motion-controlled games on consoles like Nintendo Wii provide physical activity. Games like Just Dance and Wii Sports provide light to moderate exercise.
Educational games
Games with educational content in topics like math, science and language could help children with ADHD strengthen academic weaknesses. Useful genres include quiz games, virtual flashcards and curriculum-based games.
However, more research is still needed to confirm which types of games yield the greatest real-world benefits for different ADHD symptoms. Finding games that align with the child’s interests is also key to maintain engagement and motivation.
What are the risks of video games for children with ADHD?
While video games show promise for managing ADHD, there are also some risks and considerations:
Excessive gaming
Children with ADHD may be prone to overdoing gaming due to impulsiveness and problems self-regulating behavior. This can lead to harmful levels of game engagement that interfere with responsibilities.
Parents may need to set reasonable limits around gaming to prevent obsession. Moderating time spent gaming is advisable.
Aggression and inattention
Some studies link violent video games to later increases in aggressive thoughts and behaviors in youth. Hyper-engaging games may also worsen inattention symptoms.
Choosing age-appropriate, non-violent games with limited immersion may therefore be preferable. Prioritizing real-world relationships and activities outside gaming is also important.
Sedentary time
While active video games like Nintendo Wii promote healthy movement, other games involve prolonged sitting. This sedentary time should be balanced with ample physical activity to avoid obesity risk.
Scheduling regular exercise and breaks during extended game play is advisable. Games should complement an active lifestyle, not replace sports and outdoor play.
With mindful moderation and age-appropriate game choices, parents can maximize benefits while minimizing risks of gaming for children with ADHD. Further guidelines are discussed below.
Best practices for using video games to help manage ADHD
If choosing to use video games as part of a treatment plan for ADHD, the following tips may be helpful:
– Consult your child’s doctor first about appropriate game options.
– Choose non-violent games with limited immersion/addiction potential. Select age-appropriate titles.
– Set reasonable limits for gaming duration and stick to them. 1-2 hours per day may be suitable depending on the child.
– Ensure gaming does not replace sleep, exercise, family time, and other priorities.
– Schedule tech-free times and zones like during meals and before bedtime.
– Play active movement games to burn energy when hyperactive symptoms arise.
– Prioritize games with potential cognitive benefits for your child’s symptoms like attention-training games.
– For younger kids, play together rather than relying on solo gaming. Commentate on what they are learning.
– Monitor your child’s emotional reactions. Limit gaming if it causes frustration, aggression or emotional dysregulation.
– Use gaming time as a reward incentive for completing responsibilities like homework.
– Combine gaming with other treatments like behavior therapy and medication as needed. Gaming is not a standalone solution.
Consult your child’s doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and determine if video games may be a suitable supplemental support.
Conclusion
There is emerging but limited evidence that video games may provide some benefits for ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity when used appropriately. Games may serve as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments.
However, more research is still needed to confirm effects on real-world ADHD impairments. Potential risks like aggression and poor self-regulation should be monitored. Guiding children with ADHD in mindful gaming practices is key.
Overall, video games show promise as an accessible form of cognitive training and mental stimulation for ADHD management. But they should not replace traditional treatments without a doctor’s guidance. When appropriately integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, age-appropriate video games may support some children with ADHD.
