Serious Games: A Promising New Tool for Managing ADHD in Children
Global, Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
A systematic review highlights serious games’ potential in improving ADHD symptoms in children, offering alternatives to traditional drugs by enhancing attention, social skills, and executive functions.
Comprehensive Research Findings
A groundbreaking systematic review published on May 6, 2025, analyzing 35 studies with 1,408 participants, has demonstrated significant promise in using serious games as digital therapeutics for ADHD management. The research revealed that 80% of studies focused on attention improvements, while 43% examined executive functions [1]. Gender distribution data from 22 studies showed a participant makeup of 660 males and 228 females, providing robust evidence across diverse demographics [1].
Key Treatment Areas and Outcomes
The research indicates multiple therapeutic benefits, with 89% of trials reporting positive engagement from children. The games specifically targeted various ADHD-related challenges, with 29% addressing hyperactivity-impulsivity and 17% focusing on social skills development [1]. This digital approach aligns with the growing trend of technology-based mental health interventions, similar to other successful digital therapeutic applications that have shown promising results in various mental health conditions [2].
Implementation and Accessibility
While traditional mental health apps typically cost between $5 to $20 monthly for premium versions [2], the implementation of serious games as therapeutic tools represents a potentially cost-effective intervention option [alert! ‘specific pricing for ADHD games not provided in sources’]. The systematic review followed rigorous PRISMA guidelines and employed standardized tools including the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, ensuring the reliability of findings [1].
Future Implications
The research, registered under PROSPERO CRD420250509693, suggests that serious games could serve as a viable complementary or alternative treatment approach for ADHD [1]. This is particularly significant given the growing acceptance of digital therapeutics in mental health treatment, as evidenced by the widespread adoption of various mental health applications and platforms [2]. The findings indicate that incorporating somatosensory inputs shows particular promise for improving hand-eye coordination, though motor skills results remain inconclusive [1].