Game-based Digital Therapeutic Improves ADHD Symptoms in Children, Adolescents

A game-based digital therapeutic (DTx) improved symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents but was not as effective as medication, according to findings published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

A team of researchers affiliated with Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea, analyzed the effectiveness of EndeavorRx, a prescription digital therapeutic approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for the treatment of pediatric ADHD.

“Despite the available treatment options and prevention measures, conventional [ADHD] treatments have several limitations,” researchers said. “Digital therapeutics like EndeavorRx [are] an emerging alternative to overcome these limitations.”

Using PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published up to January 2022. Pediatric participants were assigned to the game-based DTx, medication, or control. Teachers and parents then assessed differences in ADHD symptoms in each group.

The game-based DTx improved inattention (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14 to 0.41) more than the control (SMD 0.21, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39). Regarding hyperactivity/impulsivity, the DTx also demonstrated a more significant improvement (SMD 0.28, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.53) when compared to the control (SMD 0.30, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.55).

However, medication was more effective than the DTx, researchers found. By comparison, medication was associated with greater improvements in both inattention (SMD -0.62, 95% CI -1.04 to -0.20) and hyperactivity/impulsivity, although “hyperactivity has not been reported extensively.”

The authors concluded the game-based DTx had a more significant impact on ADHD symptoms than the control, but medication was more effective overall.

Reference:
Oh S, Choi J, Han DH, Kim E. Effects of game-based digital therapeutics on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents as assessed by parents or teachers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. Published online March 2, 2023. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02174-z