New technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that begins in childhood and adolescence. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity . Children with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating on tasks, following instructions, and controlling their impulses. This can affect their ability to succeed in school and in their daily lives.
Although the diagnosis is made by a professional with experience in ADHD, through interviews with the affected individual and their family, as well as information from the school and extracurricular activities, several technological tools have emerged in recent years to help diagnose and treat ADHD. Let's look at some of these tools below.
Diagnostic technology
Several technological tools have been developed to assist in the assessment of ADHD. Some of these are:
Continuous Performance Test (CPT)
It assesses sustained attention and impulsivity . It is used as a complementary tool for ADHD diagnosis, as it can help measure a child's or adolescent's ability to maintain attention over a period of time.
MOXO
An application that measures the ability to maintain attention on a task and follow instructions. One of the main features of this tool is that the person can take the test from home; all they need is a computer with an internet connection.
Braingaze
It uses eye-tracking technology via a camera to measure the ability to maintain attention. The device records and analyzes the person's eye movements while they perform different tasks that require attention and concentration, allowing for an objective and accurate assessment of ADHD.
Nesplora Classroom
Using virtual reality glasses , computer games and eye-tracking technology are used to assess attention, visual processing, and working memory. Aula Nesplora provides detailed information about strengths and weaknesses in these areas, which can help identify this disorder.
A brief history of ADHD
Technology for treatment
The treatment widely recommended by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is multimodal , including psychological, psychoeducational, and pharmacological treatment . In recent years, several technologies have been developed as non-pharmacological treatments to help children and adolescents with ADHD improve their attention and concentration, complementing the aforementioned treatments. Some of these are:
Sincrolab
An app that works on Android and iOS tablets and smartphones, using computer games to improve attention and working memory . The program is designed to adapt to each person's individual needs, meaning the games adjust to the child's ability and become more challenging as they progress, using an artificial intelligence engine.
Sincrolab games are designed to improve attention and concentration, as well as working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind in the short term. They also help improve hand-eye coordination and the ability to switch between tasks.
The program is designed to be interactive and engaging for children, helping them stay interested and motivated during treatment. It also provides real-time feedback on the user's performance, helping them understand their progress and motivating them to continue improving.
Akili
A computer game that uses neuroscience techniques to improve attention and working memory . The game adjusts its difficulty as the player progresses, allowing for gradual improvement in their abilities. This device is not currently available in Spain.
Mindfulness to improve the symptoms of children and adolescents with ADHD
Bgaze Therapy
It's a tool that uses eye-tracking technology to improve attention and impulse control . This technology is based on the premise that eye movements are closely linked to attention and concentration, so it can be a useful tool for treating ADHD.
The program uses various tasks and games that require the user to maintain attention and focus on the task at hand. For example, they might have to find hidden objects on a screen or track a moving object with their eyes. As the tasks are completed, the program provides visual and auditory feedback on their performance. If the user becomes distracted or loses focus, the eye-tracking device detects this and provides feedback to help them refocus. If they maintain focus for a certain period of time, the program provides positive reinforcement to motivate them and reinforce the desired behavior.
As we can see, new technologies have evolved to help us diagnose and treat ADHD. There is still a way to go, but this opens the door to more accessible and objective diagnoses, as well as new therapeutic tools that will help improve the quality of life for these individuals and their families .
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