Doctors using video games to help those with ADHD - Euroslot - the independent voice of the amusement and gambling industry

Doctors using video games to help those with ADHD

Published: 01 September, 2006

Some in the American medical community are using video games to help combat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder affecting the ability to focus.

It is estimated that as many as six per cent of the American population have the disability, and conventional medication often has serious side effects.

Physicians have begun treating ADHD with SMART BrainGames, a new system that combines brain wave monitoring, biofeedback, and video games. The goal is to alter the brain wave patterns responsible for ADHD. The patient is fitted with a hat equipped with sensors, and can only be successful at the game when emitting the right kinds of brain waves.

Doctors using SMART BrainGames claim that approximately 40 sessions of 20 to 30 minutes each are needed to gain permanent results. A recent study shows both SMART BrainGames and standard biofeedback helped kids improve attention, impulse and hyperactivity, but the video game group was more motivated.

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