Development of Virtual Reality-based Interventions to Strengthen Cognitive Skillsets Related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD-RS-5 inattention sub-scale.

Background:
 
 Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have cognitive problems.
 It may be hard for them to control their behaviors, concentrate for long periods, or make
 decisions. This can affect their education, friendships, and daily life. A virtual
 reality-based game may help improve cognitive skills in children with ADHD. It may also help
 change how the brain functions.
 
 Objective:
 
 To see if a virtual reality-based game helps improve thinking skills and brain function in
 children with ADHD.
 
 Eligibility:
 
 Children aged 7 to 14 years with ADHD.
 
 Design:
 
 Participants will be screened. Their physical and mental health, medical and family history,
 and intellectual and emotional development will be evaluated. They will have tests of their
 mood, memory, attention, thinking, and behavior. Blood or saliva may be collected.
 Participants may have an MRI scan of the brain.
 
 Participants will receive a set of virtual reality games. The set includes 6 different games
 played by placing a smartphone inside a virtual reality headset. The participant will play a
 game for 20 minutes at least 3 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks.
 
 The parent or caregiver will start each game using a tablet. Each of the 6 games is designed
 to help the participant practice specific cognitive skills. These include inhibition control,
 processing speed, and sustained attention.
 
 Participants will have interviews each week. They will answer questions about motion
 sickness, eye strain, or headache.
 
 Blood or saliva tests and the MRI may be repeated after the last game. A 6-month follow-up
 visit can be by phone or telehealth.