Like. Follow. Repost. Repeat. In our current age of information overload, this fast-paced environment creates a constant cycle of distractions that fight for our attention. This becomes especially detrimental for individuals living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a mental disorder characterized by frequent inattention and tendencies of hyperactive behavior. This mostly affects children and can result in difficulty performing well in their academics and extracurricular activities. 
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Thankfully, ADHD is one of the best-studied mental disorders, and plenty of medications are out there to help minimize the symptoms. According to a study conducted by BMC Phsyciatry, these medications result in improvements for ADHD symptoms such as improved attention and decreased hyperactive behavior. Despite the benefits, there have been some rising concerns regarding the long-term effects of these medications, such as insomnia, decreased appetite, or higher blood pressure. Research on other types of treatments has been progressing, with one originating from an unlikely source: video games.

Can video games really help treat ADHD?
At first, it might seem counterintuitive to use video games as a treatment for ADHD. Video games are commonly criticized for their addictive characteristics, which would work against treating inattention. However, video games can take advantage of their ability to grab attention and can induce a type of treatment called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a learning process meant to help individuals control their brain activity through rewards for practicing positive behaviors. This can be done through any visual or auditory method, which is where video games are involved. 

There are many studies showing the potential of video games acting as neurofeedback therapy. In one study conducted by BMC Psychiatry, a video game application showed how brain activity was affected by the individual's performance in the game. It was found that interacting with this application had significant improvements in ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, similar to medication treatment. Another study conducted in 2020 used a gaming application called FarmerKeep to attract individuals’ attention and employ neurofeedback therapy. It was found to improve attention control in ADHD patients.

The negatives of using video games to treat ADHD
However, the solution is not so simple, as there is a reason why medication is still the predominant method for ADHD treatment. Firstly, video games are not an affordable alternative option. Video game development requires at minimum programmers, artists, and animators to convey feedback to the user, which is not always accessible or affordable. These applications are difficult to create, and may not be worth the benefits of the treatment. 
Additionally, not all video games are treated equally in terms of their therapeutic effects. The issue of video game addiction is still prevalent, since games such as role-playing games may have structures in place to incentivize continual and repeated play. These reinforcement strategies such as lootboxes can lead to addiction. Especially for individuals with ADHD who struggle to control attention, they can be more vulnerable to these tactics.  

There is always room for improvement
While there are valid reasons against using video games for ADHD treatment, the studies showing the benefits of its neurofeedback therapy are hard to ignore. Video games can be addictive. However, they can also promote positive behaviors in controlling attention and regulating hyperactive behavior. Moreover, video games also have the therapeutic quality to captivate the user in a completely different world, one where they may find satisfaction and success that is lacking in their personal lives. If there are more focused developmental efforts toward creating video games with neurofeedback therapy, a viable future for this alternate treatment can exist.