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Electronics industry

ADHD Video Games: Systematic Review and Content Analysis Reveals Limited Efficacy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at East Carolina University have conducted a systematic review and content analysis of serious video games designed for children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, aimed to understand the effects of these games on ADHD symptoms. However, the findings suggest that far transfer effects are unconvincing for seminal game elements, and new directions in ADHD game design and delivery are warranted.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study reviewed 37 seminal studies published between February 2005 and March 2021, investigating 22 distinct ADHD games designed for children and adolescents.
  • Most games (55%) attempt cognitive training, while 18% include theta/beta ratio neurofeedback, and 27% include novel content such as physical exercise or eye gaze training.
  • Changes in parent ratings of ADHD symptoms range widely (ds = -0.55 to 1.26) without an obvious pattern of advantage for any game element.
  • The largest far transfer effects for ADHD games are found in study results at highest risk of bias, seemingly irrespective of game content.
  • The study suggests that new directions in ADHD game design and delivery are warranted, as far transfer effects are unconvincing for seminal game elements.
  • Brandon K. Schultz, Steven W. Evans, Kaitlynn M. Carter, Allison Dembowski, Kelly Lojinger, Emma R. Murray, and Christy Walcott were the authors of the study.

Statistics:

  • 37 seminal studies were reviewed in the study.
  • 22 distinct ADHD games were investigated in the study.
  • 55% of the games attempted cognitive training.
  • 18% of the games included theta/beta ratio neurofeedback.
  • 27% of the games included novel content such as physical exercise or eye gaze training.
  • Changes in parent ratings of ADHD symptoms ranged from -0.55 to 1.26.
  • The largest far transfer effects for ADHD games were found in study results at highest risk of bias.

Sources:

  • A systematic review and content analysis of serious video games for children with ADHD. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2025,16.
  • Frontiers in Psychiatry - http://frontiersin.org/psychiatry
  • Frontiers Media S.A.

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