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Advanced Neurology Transforming ADHD through interactive gaming

Table 2. Video games for improving certain health conditions.
Health condition/Disorder Video games Approach
Cancer Re-Mission This game helps patients stay positive, educates them about the treatment, and
motivates them to fight cancer.
Game link: https://hopelab.org/case-study/re-mission/
Asthma Asthma Sense This game teaches patients about using inhalers, asthma conditions, and treatment
procedures.
Game link: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/tag/asthmasense-app
HIV Play Forward: Elm City Stories This game teaches players about the effects of HIV and how to avoid all risky behaviors.
Game link: https://schellgames.com/portfolio/playforward-elm-city-stories
Obesity Escape from the Diab This game teaches children about healthy food habits and proper diets. It also
addresses the issue of obesity.
Game link: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/
escape-from-diab/7wHm5mz7rff4IA?hl=en
Anxiety or depression Mind Light This game helps people overcome anxiety and depression. It provides a safe
environment based on scientifically proven technology.
Game link: https://www.theplayniceinstitute.com/
Stroke Rehabilitation Gaming System This game uses highly innovative VR and new technology to enhance the cognitive
(RGS) functions of stroke survivors.
Game link: https://www.aal-europe.eu/projects/rgs/
Diabetes Packy and Marlon This game provides an educational platform for children to learn about type 1 diabetes.
It also teaches patients about self-care behaviors.
Game link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packy_and_Marlon
Abbreviation: HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus.

cognitive functions. Second, there is the neuro-feedback visualization and immediate feedback to analyze the
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approach, which aims to improve ADHD conditions user’s performance. In this regard, Chiu, Hsu, and
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by focusing on brain-related aspects such as the theta/ Ouyang found that VR technology interacts with motor
beta ratio and slow cortical potential amplitude using and cognitive skills, reduces stress, depression, anxiety,
time-to-time feedback. In other words, it improves the and fatigue, and improves overall relaxation and coping
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user’s cognitive function, which, in turn, reduces ADHD skills. VR interactions also offer immersive simulations
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symptoms. Under the umbrella of this approach are games that induce emotions and mitigate potential psychological
that include gaze control (to track eye movement) and conditions. For example, VR games, such as EndeavorRx
applications (e.g., CogMed) that target working memory (Table 3), can potentially train individuals with ADHD to
through challenging tasks. Finally, there is the improving comprehend their conditions, foster their cognitive skills,
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the medical condition approach in which games are used and progressively mitigate related symptoms.
to help therapists/clinicians analyze the health conditions Although digital games have numerous benefits for
of this disorder. As shown in Table 2, many digital online individuals with ADHD, some negative aspects should
games can help detect and evaluate the symptoms of be noted. First, according to research conducted by The
various health conditions, including ADHD.
ADHD Center (a leading ADHD assessment clinic in
1.4. Cognitive improvements and limitations the United Kingdom), individuals with ADHD tend to
have more impulsive and curious behaviors, potentially
As for video games, it is important to note the emergence of leading to video game addiction. Especially among
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virtual reality (VR) technology. Specifically, VR enhances children, increased impulsivity can reduce the ability
the user’s senses by presenting a simulated environment to maintain self-control. Second, excessive gaming can
that replicates real-world experiences. Such environments lead to hyperfocus in which the individual becomes so
can also trigger cognitive processes, including memory, engrossed that he/she avoids or blocks out the necessary
problem-solving, and concentration skills, making it information. Finally, games are sometimes used to escape
an optimal method for improving the user’s cognitive uncomfortable real-world situations, potentially impeding
functions through enhanced engagement, multiple sensory personal growth and the development of social skills. Thus,
stimulation, training tasks, and rapid response. individuals with ADHD should utilize digital media as a
Previous studies have indicated that VR is a treatment method under the guidance and supervision of
systematic and controllable approach that utilizes data therapists/clinicians.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2024) 3 doi: 10.36922/an.4073