A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that serious video games, when combined with medication, may help improve certain symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The research focused on “The Secret Trail of Moon” (MOON), a video game designed with personalized cognitive training aimed at improving emotional regulation.
The study, led by Marina Martin-Moratinos from Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital in Madrid, involved 76 children and teenagers aged 7 to 18, all diagnosed with ADHD and already receiving medication. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one that used the MOON video game in 20 treatment sessions and a control group.
While the MOON video game did not achieve a substantial reduction (3- or 4-point decrease) in the global Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score, it showed promising results in specific areas.
Participants who were more engaged in the video game demonstrated significant improvements in:
- Material Organization: Improved ability to organize and manage physical items, an important skill for everyday life.
- Working Memory: Enhanced ability to retain and process information, a critical component for learning and task management.
- Inhibition: Better control over impulsive actions, a common challenge for individuals with ADHD.
These improvements were particularly noticeable in participants who actively engaged with the MOON game, suggesting that commitment to the intervention may amplify its benefits.
ADHD is often treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. This study indicates that serious video games could serve as an additional tool to target specific cognitive and behavioral challenges. Unlike traditional methods, video games may provide a more engaging and enjoyable way to help children develop important skills.
However, it’s important to note that the improvements seen in this study were limited to specific areas, and the overall global symptoms of ADHD did not significantly decrease based on the questionnaire used. This highlights the potential of serious video games as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, established treatments.
One author of the study disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical and serious video game development industries, which may introduce a potential bias.
Additionally, the study relied on self-reported and parent-reported data, which can sometimes be subjective. The small sample size (76 participants) and short duration (20 sessions) also limit the generalizability of the findings.
This study sheds light on the potential for serious video games like MOON to complement traditional ADHD treatments by targeting specific cognitive and behavioral skills.
While the intervention did not lead to broad reductions in ADHD symptoms, the improvements in working memory, inhibition, and material organization are promising.
Future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods could provide more definitive evidence of the effectiveness of such tools in managing ADHD.
Ultimately, serious video games represent a creative and engaging approach to helping individuals with ADHD, offering a pathway to better outcomes when used alongside traditional therapies.
For more information about ADHD, please see recent studies about Nutrition’s role in managing ADHD: what you need to know and results showing that Food additives and ADHD: what parents should know.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
The research findings can be found in JMIR Serious Games.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
