Are Games Good for ADHD? A Doctor, Developer, and Gamer’s Perspective
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Let me start by saying this: I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of medicine and technology. As a medical doctor who moonlights as a developer (yes, I code when no one’s looking), my brain is constantly toggling between diagnosing patients and debugging lines of JavaScript. So naturally, when Global Game Jam rolled around this year, I decided to throw myself into creating something that could merge these two worlds—something meaningful. That’s how FocusFlow, a VR experience designed specifically for people with ADHD, came to life.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. ADHD isn’t just “not being able to focus.” It’s an intricate dance of executive dysfunction, hyperfocus, impulsivity, and sometimes even creativity on steroids.
Hazem Abbas
And games? Well, they’re more than just fun—they’re interactive systems that can challenge our minds in ways we don’t fully understand yet. But are games truly beneficial for ADHD? Let’s dive deep into this messy, chaotic, beautiful topic from my perspective as someone who straddles both sides of the fence.
The Gaming Gender Divide: Do Women With ADHD Even Want to Play?
One thing that struck me during the development process was how starkly different gaming preferences were among genders. My test group consisted of 18 women—all diagnosed with ADHD—and guess what? Not a single one of them identified as a "gamer." Sure, some played Candy Crush or Words With Friends occasionally, but none had any real interest in traditional video games.
Meanwhile, every male participant I spoke to loved gaming. They’d talk about their favorite titles like they were old friends—Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, you name it.
This gender gap got me thinking. Why do so many women with ADHD shy away from gaming? Is it societal pressure? Lack of representation? Or maybe the types of games available simply don’t resonate with them? For instance, fast-paced shooters or competitive multiplayer games might feel overwhelming for someone already struggling with overstimulation.
On the other side, slow-paced puzzle games might bore those craving instant gratification. Finding the sweet spot seems nearly impossible.
Hazem Abbas
But here’s the kicker: when I introduced my VR prototype—a calming, immersive environment designed to help users practice mindfulness and task prioritization—something magical happened. The same women who swore off gaming before started engaging deeply. One participant said, “It feels less like a game and more like… therapy.” Bingo. Maybe the problem isn’t ADHD itself—it’s the way games are marketed and designed.
Hazem Abbas
Genre Matters: What Works and What Doesn’t
Not all games are created equal, especially when it comes to ADHD. Certain genres seem tailor-made for neurodivergent brains, while others are downright disastrous. Take platformers, for example. Titles like Celeste or Hollow Knight require precision timing, quick reflexes, and spatial awareness—all skills that can be challenging for folks with ADHD. Yet paradoxically, mastering these mechanics provides a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. There’s something oddly satisfying about nailing that perfect jump after failing twenty times in a row.
On the other hand, open-world RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer freedom and exploration without rigid time constraints. Players can wander at their own pace, experiment with side quests, and indulge in curiosity-driven gameplay.
Sounds ideal for ADHD, right? Wrong. While the lack of structure appeals initially, it often leads to decision paralysis.
Where do I go next? Which quest should I tackle first? Before long, players find themselves stuck in analysis paralysis—or worse, abandoning the game altogether.
Then there are strategy games. Oh boy. Real-time strategy games like StarCraft demand split-second decision-making and multitasking abilities that most ADHD brains struggle with.
Turn-based strategies, however, give players time to think and plan ahead, making them far more accessible. Still, even within this genre, balance is key. Too much complexity overwhelms; too little bores.
So which games address ADHD directly? A handful exist, though their effectiveness varies wildly. Apps disguised as games, such as EndeavorRx, claim to improve attention through gamified cognitive exercises.
While clinical trials show promise, let’s be honest—they’re not exactly thrilling. Fun shouldn’t feel like homework, even if it’s therapeutic.
Hazem Abbas
Measuring Congestive Functions in Games: The Ultimate Challenge
Here’s where things get tricky. How do you measure whether a game actually improves cognitive function in someone with ADHD? Traditional metrics like reaction time or accuracy only tell part of the story. ADHD affects so much more than raw processing speed—it impacts working memory, emotional regulation, impulse control, and task persistence. Capturing all that in a single metric? Good luck.
During the development of FocusFlow, I experimented with various methods to track progress. Heart rate variability (HRV) sensors monitored stress levels during gameplay, while eye-tracking software analyzed visual attention patterns.
We also incorporated self-reported feedback forms asking participants to rate their mood, focus, and frustration levels before and after each session. The results? Mixed, but promising.
Hazem Abbas
For example, one user reported feeling calmer and more grounded after completing a guided breathing exercise in VR. Another admitted she struggled to stay engaged because the visuals felt too abstract. These insights highlighted the importance of personalization. No two ADHD brains are alike, so why should their gaming experiences be?
Hazem Abbas
Platform Choices: Console vs. PC vs. Mobile vs. VR
Ah, platforms—the unsung heroes of gaming. Each has its pros and cons, particularly for ADHD players. Consoles like PlayStation and Xbox offer plug-and-play simplicity, eliminating the hassle of setup. However, limited customization options mean users must adapt to the system rather than vice versa.
PC gaming shines in terms of flexibility. You can tweak settings, use mods, and tailor controls to suit individual needs. But let’s face it—building a high-end rig requires patience and technical know-how, neither of which comes easily to most ADHD folks. Plus, the sheer number of distractions lurking online (hello, Reddit rabbit holes) makes staying focused a Herculean task.
Mobile games occupy a unique space. Their accessibility and bite-sized nature make them perfect for short bursts of entertainment. Unfortunately, many mobile games rely heavily on microtransactions and addictive loops designed to keep players hooked—not exactly healthy for ADHD tendencies toward impulsivity.
And then there’s VR. Immersive, transformative, and utterly mesmerizing, virtual reality holds immense potential for ADHD treatment. By blocking out external stimuli and creating controlled environments, VR allows users to hone specific skills without getting overwhelmed.
Of course, cost remains a barrier, and motion sickness is still a concern for some. But as technology advances, I believe VR will play a pivotal role in reshaping how we approach mental health interventions.
Final Thoughts: Are Games Good for ADHD?
To answer the million-dollar question: yes, games can be good for ADHD—but only if done right. The key lies in intentionality. Developers need to stop treating ADHD as a monolith and instead embrace its diversity. Create games that cater to different subtypes, preferences, and strengths.
Offer adaptive difficulty settings, clear objectives, and frequent rewards to keep motivation high. Most importantly, involve actual ADHD individuals in the design process. After all, who better to guide us than those living with the condition every day?
As for me, I’m proud of what we accomplished with FocusFlow. Did we solve ADHD overnight? Absolutely not. But did we spark conversations, inspire ideas, and create something genuinely helpful? Hell yeah. And honestly, that’s enough for now.
Games aren’t a cure-all. They won’t erase symptoms or magically fix broken routines. But they can provide tools, teach coping mechanisms, and foster connections. In a world that often feels hostile to neurodivergent minds, that’s worth celebrating.
So go ahead—pick up a controller, strap on a headset, or tap away on your phone. Find what works for you. Because whether you’re battling bosses, building cities, or simply breathing in VR, remember this: you’re not just playing a game. You’re reclaiming your focus, one pixel at a time.
