Children with ADHD can be prescribed a special video game, says FDA

Very interesting.

Over the years more and more treatments have become available for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The latest development in helping children with ADHD comes in the form of a video game. Yes, that's right - a medically prescribed video game. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed its first video game based treatment for those with ADHD. The video game, called EndeavorRx, was approved on Monday of this week and will be prescription only. It is aimed at children between the ages of eight and 12 with certain types of ADHD. The game will be used alongside other treatments, such as clinician-directed therapy, medication and educational programs. While playing the game, children steer an avatar through a course dotted with obstacles, collecting targets to earn rewards. Dr Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health said:

"The EndeavorRx device offers a non-drug option for improving symptoms associated with ADHD in children and is an important example of the growing field of digital therapy and digital therapeutics."

The game, which can be downloaded as an app onto a mobile device, was authorised for marketing after the FDA reviewed five clinical studies that included more than 600 children.