Video Games for ADHD Treatment Show Mixed Research Results
Three studies explore the use of video games as a treatment for childhood ADHD. Findings range from improved attention scores to results no better than control games.
Recent studies have presented varied findings on the efficacy of video games as a treatment for childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While some research indicates potential benefits, such as improvements in attention metrics, other studies have found no significant differences compared to non-therapeutic games.
One notable digital therapeutic, EndeavorRx, is the first FDA-authorized game-based treatment for pediatric ADHD. It is typically recommended as an adjunctive therapy alongside medication, therapy, and educational programs. The FDA explicitly notes that patients may not exhibit benefits in typical behavioral symptoms like hyperactivity.
A 2020 study evaluating EndeavorRx showed significant improvements in the attention scores of unmedicated children. Furthermore, a 2024 meta-analysis of digital therapies concluded that while medication had a stronger effect on symptom improvement, digital therapy did offer more improvement than control groups.
However, a more recent 2026 study, conducted in collaboration with Shenzhen Children's Hospital in China, tested a different cognitive training program. This program did not demonstrate significant improvements or differences compared to a control group playing crossword-search games. The study did note, though, that younger children and those with co-occurring Oppositional Defiant Disorder showed more improvement relative to controls, but these findings are considered preliminary signals.
The research suggests that while game-based digital therapies hold potential for ADHD management, their effectiveness is not uniform. Further investigation is likely needed to determine optimal usage and integration with existing treatment modalities.