Serious Video Games: Angels or Demons in Patients With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? A Quasi-Systematic Review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo carry out a quasi-systematic review of the use of serious video games for health as a cognitive rehabilitative tool in patients diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.MethodA quasi-systematic review of serious video games used as an evaluative and rehabilitative tool in patients with ADHD was conducted. It included behavioral patterns in the use of video games and addiction problems in this population. For its elaboration the PRISMA GUIDES were followed. The search was carried out in three PubMed databases, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo using the keywords: [game OR serious game OR computer game) AND (psychotherapy OR rehabilitation OR intervention OR mental disorders) AND (adhd)], [(adhd) AND (Video game addiction)]. All articles written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese from January 1970 to June 2021 were included: those in which reference was made to the use of video games and/or new technologies as a therapeutic and evaluative tool in children and adults diagnosed with ADHD, as well as those that referred to behavioral and clinical patterns in the use of video games.ResultsWe found 605 articles of which 128 were reviewed (44 observational studies, 26 quasi-experimental studies, 26 experimental studies, 8 systematic reviews, 9 narrative texts, 6 case reports, 7 pilot studies, 8 systematic reviews, and 2 meta-analyses). Serious video games can be used to ameliorate ADHD symptoms while improving adherence to treatment. Some serious video games show high accuracy properties assessing ADHD features.ConclusionSerious video games for health are increasingly being used as a cognitive rehabilitation tool in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Systematic Review Registration[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021247784].

Developing Serious Video Games to Treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Tutorial Guide

“…In fact, video game–based therapeutic tools appear to be useful and effective in the treatment of ADHD. Engagement rates with video game–based interventions are generally high, with low rates of dropouts (see [ 15 , 17 ] for reviews).…”

“…Consequently, we have to reach a compromise between reinforcing the patient's attention beyond their own attention span and reducing gaming time to avoid addiction. Following the state of the art [ 15 - 17 ], treatments of 20-40 minutes 4-5 days a week seem to achieve more positive effects.…”

“…Analyzing the serious video games included in several recent reviews [ 15 - 17 ] led us to the conclusion that almost all current ADHD treatments are structured in a compilation of mini games that generally tend to be similar to a regular video game (with respect to narrative, lore, esthetics, etc). In contrast, serious games for ADHD assessment are rarely more than one mini game, inspired by single tests.…”

“…However, appropriate use of video games may complement multimodal treatment [ 14 ]. Indeed, there is preliminary evidence about the potential use of serious video games to treat ADHD [ 15 - 17 ]. Furthermore, there are guidelines for the creation of health-based games.…”

Effectivity of Saffron Extract (Saffr’Activ) on Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Clinical Effectivity Study

“…Although ADHD medications are safe, and the profile of side effects is usually mild, many parents and patients are reluctant to take these medications [ 3 ]. Accordingly, different authors have advocated for the use of alternative treatments such as neurofeedback [ 4 ], serious video games [ 5 , 6 ], and/or nutritional supplements [ 7 , 8 ].…”