A video game-based therapeutic could help adults to better manage their ADHD symptoms, according to a recent clinical trial.
The STARS-ADHD-Adult clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of EndeavorRx, developed by digital health company, Akili.
The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvement in attention functioning after six weeks of treatment.
Significant improvements were also seen across a range of secondary and exploratory outcomes, including clinical assessments of ADHD-related symptoms and a validated measure of quality of life.
The treatment was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects and no serious device-related adverse events reported.
Scott Kollins, Ph.D., chief medical officer of Akili, said:
“Not only did the benefit of EndeavorRx in adults with ADHD exceed what we’ve seen in kids and adolescents, adults using the treatment experienced meaningful improvements in their quality of life.
“These data come at a critical time when there is growing demand among adults with ADHD for safe, effective, and accessible non-drug treatments.”
The multi-centre open-label study (NCT05183919) enrolled 221 adults, 18 years of age and older, with inattentive or combined-type ADHD.
The patients used the video game-based digital treatment on a mobile device in their homes for six weeks.
At the end of the study, nearly three-quarters (72.5 per cent) of adults reported at least some improvement in their quality of life as measured by the validated Adult ADHD Quality of Life Scale (AAQoL), and nearly 50 percent (45.8 per cent) of adults met a prespecified threshold for clinically meaningful improvement.
Quality of life improvements seen included an increased ability to complete projects and tasks on time, the ability to balance multiple projects at a time, and the ability to keep track of important items such as keys and wallet.
Kollins added:
“It is increasingly recognised that current available options are not working, and/or are not available.
“We are deeply committed to getting this treatment to patients as quickly as possible.”
