Do Brain training games really help with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Some studies suggest that playing brain training video games have helped improve children suffering Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Another study found that playing video games for more than an hour a day worsened ADHD symptoms. It may have been that the child gets addicted to the video games instead of playing outside. But you will say that this is the case with even children who do not suffer with ADHD. True. Video games are not actually harmful, especially Brain Training Games. But the secret here is in ‘moderation’. Anything in excess is bad and we all know it.

A growing body of research suggests that neurofeedback may be helpful and viable in the treatment of ADHD. Most studies have been small but with promising results, though not conclusive. Psychiatry unit at Ohio State University started a controlled study of BrainGames system. The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental health. The research was based on the theory that people with ADHD have been found to have brainwaves that are slower than what’s considered normal. The brainwaves of ADHD kids tend to spend too little time in the beta frequency (i.e. the frequency associated with calm state of focus), and too much time in the theta frequency (this is where the brain tends to be when ‘tuning out’).

The brain training games helps, over successive sessions, the brain of the ADHD sufferer to be more in the beta range. Medications like Ritalin have the same sort of effect on the brain waves.

Does this mean that all parents should splash money on buying their ADHD kids these brain training video games??? It is highly possible that these parents might find themselves in another problem because their kids have now experienced a sense of accomplishment in the gaming world that can be rare in the lives of kids suffering from this disorder. The fast pace and sensory overload might get them hooked to the games and push real life and school work into the background.

Therefore, it is most essential that brain training games are used in moderation as there have been strong feedbacks that they do help the children. It is also seen that the adults suffering from the disorder also find it helpful.

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