FDA approves first video game for ADHD treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a video game for prescription treatment for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for the first time in its history. The certified video game, EndeavorRx, was developed by Akili. EndeavorRx has shown to improve attention by delivering a captivating video game experience to children who have demonstrated attention issues. The video game is designed to directly target and activate neural systems by presenting sensory stimuli and motor challenges to boost cognitive functioning. The FDA granted a clearance based on the results from 5 clinical studies that 600 children with ADHD participated in. The data showed that after 4 weeks of EndeavorRx treatment, one-third of children no longer experienced a measurable attention deficit on at least one measure of objective attention. The EndeavorRx treatment is set to be available with a prescription soon. The company created the Endeavor Care Program that has the EndeavorRx and Akili Care, a mobile app to track treatment data and provides support to caregivers.