Games are usually seen as distractions or agents for procrastination. Yet recent research has shown that digital interventions significantly improve attention, executive function (e.g., self-control and flexible thinking), and working memory across children aged 4 to 17 who had been diagnosed with ADHD. To remain in the past and view gamification as a distraction seems to be far too reductive, as when used well, gamification can incentivize people to be motivated to focus and complete tasks, even for those without ADHD.
Gamification and digital therapeutics will prove to be useful tools for the future in treating disorders such as ADHD, so whether you have ADHD, have a loved one with it, or are even currently taking on an online MSN-PMHNP program, keep reading to look at some of the major advantages gamified interventions have on managing ADHD symptoms. Gamification will keep making more advances across all industries, so it is important to maximize its potential in the field of therapeutics as well.
The Science
Gamification works by releasing dopamine into the mesolimbic pathway, the brain's reward circuit. It is the main system that determines your motivation by forging associations between a reward and the work that needs to be completed to receive that reward.
Individuals with ADHD usually have lower levels of dopamine, so gamification naturally increases them. As a result, more achievements, rewards, and quests mean more dopamine, and the brain, too, becomes more excited about it. This process is usually referred to as associative learning, as this internal reward circuit aids motivation by associating the task with the release of dopamine.
Setting Goals
One of the key parts of any game is to reach a certain objective or aim. They are delineated clearly to the player and are usually divided into smaller, more manageable chunks that serve as particular milestones to reach this final objective. Similarly, by gamifying tasks, goals can seem more achievable. Setting goals with ADHD can feel impossible, and it can even be a struggle for those without the disorder. Instead of formulating vague aims such as wanting to 'exercise more,' you can tell yourself to 'cycle 3 miles every second day' and build upon that as you get used to the routine.
The beauty of gamification is that it forces you to take small incremental steps rather than one large leap. Have an assignment due in the week? You can set daily challenges for yourself to complete it, such as dedicating the first day to planning, the second day to researching, the third to writing, etc. As they are broken down, large tasks that initially felt daunting (with the risk of procrastination) and overwhelming can be mitigated. Other elements like reward systems and visualization mechanisms incorporated into setting goals can also serve as important motivational incentives to stay on track and a constant reminder of how much has been achieved and how much is left to do.
Developing Time Management Skills
Issues in time perception are a focal symptom of ADHD, so building time management skills is crucial. A typical characteristic of this is being unable to anticipate future rewards and consequences, which inevitably leads to procrastination, inability to meet deadlines, or not planning beforehand, ultimately hindering the ability to meet desired results. Two popular methods can be gamified for you to race against the clock:
The Pomodoro Technique
Developed by CEO and author Francesco Cirillo, this technique consists of breaking work down to 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks in between. One interval is known as a Pomodoro, the tomato timer that Cirillo created. A gamified approach can involve challenging yourself to finish a task or reach an aim within a 25-minute timeframe or, for larger undertakings, doing them within a set amount of Pomodoros.
The Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule)
A classic method created by economist Vilfredo Pareto, the idea is that 20% of inputs (actions) account for 80% of outputs (outcomes). The goal is to set priorities correctly and, therefore, optimize and be the most effective in time when solving problems. The criteria for deciding this usually involve:
- Listing the problems you are faced with.
- Identifying the root cause of each problem.
- Assigning a score to each problem based on importance (higher numbers are more important).
- Grouping the problems by cause.
- Adding up the score of each group.
- Taking action.
Obviously, these are very generalized standards. You may incorporate more factors, such as how time-sensitive the problem is or how insistent someone is on you doing it, into your criteria.
Increased Attention
Gamification often involves varied tasks or mini-games that can keep the experience fresh and stimulating. For anyone with ADHD, changing up tasks through means such as creating different types of activities can be very effective in preventing boredom and sustaining focus.
For example, virtual reality (VR) treatment games have been proven to help enhance attention and focus, improve cognitive function, and treat ADHD symptoms. Such immersive environments also have rich visuals and interactive elements to capture and hold attention far more than traditional and less stimulating methods. Moreover, adjusted difficulty levels based on performance can provide optimal challenge levels. This can allow individuals to not deal with tasks that are either too easy or too hard, which can either be too frustrating or too simple, potentially derailing attention and focus.
There Is a Device for That
There are many emerging gamified tech tools that are dedicated to helping individuals manage ADHD symptoms. Here are some of the three most popular ones that you may consider whether to use for yourself or a loved one with ADHD:
- EndeavorRx – Described as the 'first FDA-authorized video game for ADHD,' EndeavorRx is a video game that improves ADHD symptoms in children in just four weeks, according to studies. It is a fast-moving game where the player chases mystical characters across different worlds and engages in increasingly more difficult problem-solving activities to unlock new characters and build their own universes. There is often multitasking, and players must avoid distractions and obstacles to advance through the game.
- XRHealth – This is a VR telehealth device that offers physical, occupational, speech-language, and mental health therapy, cognitive training, and support networks for a variety of conditions. For ADHD, this VR device allows therapists to assess how a patient reacts and to make adjustments if needed. For kids, there are games such as a boxing game where players can choose what stimuli to punch, which to avoid, and what distractions to ignore.
- Forest – If you often find that it is your phone or any other digital device that is making you procrastinate or amplify ADHD symptoms, then Forest might be the app for you. Forest forces you to stay focused on what you are doing by letting you plant a virtual tree for a specific amount chosen to your liking—if you exit the app, however, the tree dies. After you complete your session, you can gain coins and spend them to purchase cosmetics and even sponsor real-life tree-planting programs; the Forest app with Trees for the Future has already planted 1.7 million trees worldwide.
Gamification works wonders on the ADHD brain, so it is time to harness its true power in managing symptoms and building sustainable work practices and productivity.
