For child and adult sufferers of attention deficit disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, even with treatment, the symptoms can seem out of control at times, especially when stressed. Everyone has trouble paying attention in certain situations, but when there is an underlying condition such as ADD/ADHD that makes the individual more vulnerable to inattention, that same sense of no control can be overwhelming.
Video Games for ADD and ADHD
Many skeptics question the validity of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis because often these individuals are capable of demonstrating almost obsessive focus in one or two activities. With children, and some adults, the most common activity that can draw attention from an ADHD individual involves video and computer games. Why?
Research from NASA and neurological specialists suggests that there may be a natural dopamine reward system in the brain that creates a positive sensation to video gaming. It is sort of like the pleasure sensation that rewards chocolate consumers, in a broad sense. Video games also provide immediate feedback.
Think about it for a moment: kids in school are encouraged to work hard, turn in assignments, study and take tests, but the reward for their efforts isn't always instant. Report cards are handed out two to four times a year, depending on the curriculum, and those kids who are not doing well may not be receiving any reward despite their efforts.
In contrast, video games have short-term goals (e.g. beat the level, get the points) as well as long-term goals (e.g. beat the game) with a variety of positive rewards along the way. With many games, the levels are relatively short and this provides for a fast reward as the individual keeps playing. Now research suggests that video gaming may be used to help train ADD and ADHD sufferers to have increased and improved attention, focus, and control. This research stems from NASA research for astronauts on long trips.
Video Games for the Brain
NASA developed several forms of game-type programs to help keep their astronauts focused and occupied during boring periods of missions, clearly understanding the importance of a focused and active mind. Neurologists have also done research on the effects of certain types of games to improve attention, focus, memory, and concentration. These efforts have been captured by the video game industries and a variety of brain-games can be found for several gaming platforms.
The Nintendo DS Brain Age games are popular among children and adults. They provide immediate reward with short tasks that all have been suggested to improve attention, focus, concentration, thought, decision-making, and memory. Similar games are found for the PSP (Playstation Portable) and other platforms, but Brain Age and Brain Age 2 are by far the most popular.
S.M.A.R.T. Brain Technologies sells several kits that can be used with PSOne, PS2, PS3, and XBox as well as a system for DVD watching. These tools are based on NASA research and technology and involve a visor worn during the activities that monitors neural activity and adjusts for control. The company explains how, with video gaming, the neuro-feedback from the visor and accompanying device send signals to the game system controller, adjusting the level of control the gamer has based on how much they are paying attention. With the DVD system, the size of the video image and the volume are adjusted by the system, in a similar fashion, based on neuro-feedback indicating the level of attention.
Play Attention is another company whose products stem from NASA research. Unlike S.M.A.R.T. Brain technologies which allows the use of their products with regular video games and DVDs, Play Attention provides their own games that help improve attention, focus, memory and other cognitive functions. Like S.M.A.R.T. Brain, there is a head piece that records neuro-feedback.
Non-Video Game Options for ADD
For owners of Apple products such as iPods and iPhones, there are some Podcasts which can provide brain training as an alternative to video gaming, or in conjunction. Especially for adults who wish to improve memory, attention, focus, and overall brain functioning, not just ADD sufferers but anyone, Brain Ready may be a great tool.
Brain Ready provides information about current research and findings on the areas of neurology, psychology, and any science involving the brain. The site also provides games that the player can engage in, online or through downloaded worksheets, as well as Podcasts featuring games, meditations, visualization exercises and more. For those who do not have an Apple device for the Podcasts, don't fret. The Podcasts are available to listen to online as well, and all for free.
Brain Training for Everyone
For ADD and ADHD sufferers, even medication treatments only have a limited range of assisting in improving the overall quality of life. Medicine can help – that has been scientifically demonstrated for years – but it can't fix everything. It is possible to improve on almost all symptoms of ADD and ADHD through training such as games and brain exercises.
It should be noted that a person does not necessarily have to have a medical condition in order to benefit from a little brain training. As is well known, everyone has memory and focus problems from time to time, especially correlated with aging, and sometimes these problems are a consistent nuisance in particular situations. A little brain training can go a long way, but consistency is the key.
Everyone can benefit from a little brain exercise. Brain Ready suggests that daily exercises for the brain, taking as little as five to ten minutes, can improve memory, focus, and concentration across all areas of one's life, as well as possibly help stave off memory problems that develop with age.
Sasha Maggio - Sasha holds her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaii (minor in Japanese) and M.A. in Forensic Psychology from Argosy ...
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