Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects over 4 million Americans a year, aged 6 to 11, is being spotlighted more vibrantly recently due to a recently approved treatment that just hit the medical scene. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a video game as an effective treatment for ADHD. This revolutionary approval marks the first technology-based treatment for ADHD, and any condition for that matter, in the United States.
Signs of ADHD
ADHD, which is usually diagnosed in early childhood and can last through adulthood, is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty focusing, trouble with staying on task and inability to control one’s behaviors. EndeavorRX, approved on 06/15, is a non-drug based treatment option to help with such symptoms. The approval of this therapy marks a milestone for the FDA as it shows the increase in importance of and effectiveness from a digital-based therapy option.
Inside EndeavorRX
EndeavorRX will be prescription only and used alongside other treatment options, such as medications, therapy and education-based programs. The addition of this video game to certain patients’ treatment has proven to be beneficial in controlling ADHD symptoms as a whole. The decision came after the FDA reviewed clinical trials on over 600 children nationwide.
The basis of the game is to control and maneuver an avatar through an obstacle course while collecting targets to win prizes. Akili, the company responsible for the creation of this game, notes that those who are prescribed this therapy should play 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week through a one-month planned treatment plan. Some reported side effects included headache, dizziness and aggression. There were no serious negative side effects reported through the trials.
EndeavorRX is the first on the scene when it comes to digital therapy for ADHD. The FDA, along with Akili, have made unprecedented history through the creation and implementation of this treatment therapy.
