Brain Games as a Potential Nonpharmaceutical Alternative for the Treatment of ADHD

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurobehavioral disorder, affecting approximately 5.5 million children, of which approximately 66% take ADHD medication daily. This study investigated a potential nonpharmaceutical alternative to address the academic engagement of 5th through 11th grade students (n = 10) diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were asked to play “brain games” for a minimum of 20 minutes each morning before school for 5 weeks. Engagement was measured at three points in time using electroencephalogram, parent and teacher reports, researcher observations, and participant self-reports. An analysis of the data supports the hypothesis that daily use of brain games can help strengthen focusing ability and executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD. The results provide hope for those searching for an alternative or supplement to medication as a means of helping students with ADHD engage in the classroom.