Developing Serious Video Games to Treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Tutorial Guide

Abstract

Video game–based therapeutic interventions have demonstrated some effectiveness in decreasing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Compared with more traditional strategies within the multimodal treatment of ADHD, video games have certain advantages such as being comfortable, flexible, and cost-efficient. However, establishing the most appropriate type(s) of video games that should be used for this treatment remains a matter of debate, including the commercial existing video games or serious video games that are specifically constructed to target specific disorders. This guide represents a starting point for developing serious video games aimed at treating ADHD. We summarize the key points that need to be addressed to generate an effective and motivating game-based treatment. Following recommendations from the literature to create game-based treatments, we describe the development stages of a serious video game for treating ADHD. Game design should consider the interests of future users; game mechanics should be based on cognitive exercises; and therapeutic mechanisms must include the control of difficulty, engagement, motivation, time constraints, and reinforcement. To elaborate upon this guide, we performed a narrative review focused on the use of video games for the treatment of ADHD, and were inspired by our own experience during the development of the game “The Secret Trail of Moon.”

Adherence, frequency, and long‐term follow‐up of video game‐based treatments in patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review

“…The importance of video game‐based treatments in the adherence to multimodal treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD should also be considered (Sújar et al., 2022 ). It seems that the use of video games is more motivating than other types of tools due to the lower number of dropouts (Peñuelas‐Calvo et al., 2022 ; Rodrigo‐Yanguas et al., 2022 ).…”

“…It seems that the use of video games is more motivating than other types of tools due to the lower number of dropouts (Peñuelas‐Calvo et al., 2022 ; Rodrigo‐Yanguas et al., 2022 ). Likewise, the frequency and duration of video game sessions in children and adolescents with ADHD must be considered, as this population is at greater risk of suffering addictions (Menéndez‐García et al., 2022 ; Sújar et al., 2022 ). In addition, it is important to monitor the long‐term effect of the use of video game‐based treatments as their short‐term benefit has become clear in several analyses (Cortese et al., 2015 ; Hodgson et al., 2014 ; Rapport et al., 2013 ; Sonuga‐Barke et al., 2013 ).…”

Role of media – social, electronic, and print media – in mental health and wellbeing

“…Video games are a potential tool in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). [ 8 ] Certain video games can help in cognitive training and provide structured challenges that target relevant, specific cognitive skills. A factor limiting their use, however, is that video games may increase the risk of violence and aggression.…”

Conceptual framework for flexible learning design: The Context of flipped classroom

“…For students with social anxiety, asynchronous learning options can be offered to reduce the stress of live sessions (see Fernandez et al, 2022), and smaller group work with clear guidelines could be arranged to make participation less overwhelming. For hyperactive students, short videos with interactive elements can help to prolong their attention, and short breaks can be provided (See Sújar, 2022). To support students with dyslexia or learning disabilities, captioning and transcriptions can be provided in videos, and font and color choices can be optimized for readability (See Hackl & Ermolina, 2019).…”