Can Playing Video Games Reduce The Effects Caused By ADHD?
Posted: Saturday, April 24, 2010
by Mark Ransom
Allowing children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) to play video games is a tough decision for parents. Although kids will really enjoy the gaming experience, parents are afraid that it could just lead to more distraction, thinking that image and multi-sensory experience from video games might aggravate their condition.
However, no research has proven that playing video games can treat ADHD. There, is, on the other hand, some interest in studies showing that neurofeedback, which is using the same interface as that of a videogame, can really help treat ADHD patients.
Neurofeedback can help patients improve Intelligence Quotient and prolong attention span, according to laboratory test results. Proponents of the treatment even claim that it could be used as a medication.
Neurofeedback works by providing stimulus to adjust the brainwaves of the patient. Unlike popular beliefs, people suffering from attention deficit disorder are actually not aroused enough. Their brainwaves fall more under the theta frequency that makes them hyperactive. The neurofeedback tries to stabilize that by feeding beta frequency into the brain while patients go through treatment. The neurofeedback game relaxes patients and helps them focus on the right track in order to succeed in the game.
This neurofeedback tool can now be used at home. Smartbrain Technologies is developing a neurofeedback machine that ADHD patients can use in the comforts of their own homes. On the other hand, this instrument is sold for a very high price. The neurofeedback gaming system from Smartbrain Technologies costs $500 to $1,000.
According to Dr. Eugene Arnold, psychiatry professor at the Ohio State University, the research about the treatment effects of neurofeedback is impressive but should be studied further.
Parents are also not required to buy the technology if they can't afford it since there is still no fool-proof evidence that will support the treatment's effectiveness.
As for video games for ADHD patients, Dr. Eugene Arnold suggested that parents should allow their children to play video games since it also helps juggle their minds, depending on the game. However, there is a need to regulate and limit the time their child spends playing with such video games. Parents should expose children with ADHD to other worthwhile activities that could take the place of playing video games. This way, the child will not be too engrossed or addicted to it. Allowing the children to play outside and interact with others is a good activity that ADHD patients should be exposed to.
Mark publishes articles for a variety of websites. When he's not busy writing he takes time to review consumer products and services. You can read his lates reviews about whole house water filters where he shares tips for buying and using a whole house sediment water filter.
This Article has been viewed 744 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thanks for the article. I'm sure some people are very interested in the topic. Friend Jack
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.