JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 3-7% of children globally. Alternative treatments are needed to address the limitations of traditional pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy, such as drug side effects and substantial time and financial costs. In this light, digital therapeutics (DTx) for childhood ADHD are emerging as an effective alternative, with the benefits of potentially being free from serious side effects typical of software-based treatments and facilitating easy home use without constraints on time or space.

Objective:

This feasibility study aims to evaluate whether a 4-week digital treatment program can improve symptoms, problem behaviors, and neurocognitive functions in children with ADHD, independent of medication status, while also gauging their satisfaction with the program.

Methods:

We recruited 22 Korean children between the ages of 6-12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD. During the pre-intervention visit, we collected data on ADHD symptoms, relevant behavior scales, and neurocognitive assessments. Participants then used the program 5 times per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks at home. At the post-intervention visit, we collected the same data as during the pre-visit and gathered additional feedback on their experience over the 4-week period.

Results:

A total of 19 participants were included in the statistical analysis, showing significant decreases in scores across various categories. These include the Korean ADHD rating scale (K-ADHD-RS) total (P=.004), Inattentive (P=.004), Hyperactive/Impulsive (P=.011), Korean Conners parent rating scale (K-CPRS) total (P<.001), Impulsive-Hyperactive (P=.001), and Conduct ProblemⅠ (P=0.043). Significant improvements were also noted in the Stroop word (P=.004), color (P<.001), and color-word (P<.001) scores. Caregiver and child satisfaction surveys yielded mean ratings of 4.3 and 4.1 out of 5, respectively.

Conclusions:

A four-week gamified intervention significantly improved attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity in children with ADHD, irrespective of medication status, demonstrating its effectiveness and acceptability as a treatment option.