Using virtual reality to help children with ADHD manage attention
Virtual Reality Attention Management Program for Improving Attention in Children
NA · University of California, Davis · NCT03221244
This study is testing whether virtual reality can help children with ADHD focus better and manage distractions in their everyday lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03221244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the widespread issue of distractibility, particularly in children with ADHD, by utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology. Participants will engage in a VR classroom setting where they will be exposed to distracting stimuli repeatedly, based on the principle of habituation. The goal is to train these children to improve their attention and reduce the impact of distractions on their learning and daily functioning. The effectiveness of this intervention will be assessed through various metrics, including eye movement and attention control before and after the therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children diagnosed with ADHD who exhibit significant inattention and are comfortable using a computer.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, significant depression, or other conditions that interfere with task performance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance attention management in children with ADHD, leading to improved academic and social outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR for attention management is a novel approach, similar interventions targeting distractibility have shown promise in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Significant (T score \>= 60) ratings of Cognitive Problems/Inattention or DSM Inattention scale scores on the Conners' Parent or Teacher Rating Scale-3 or Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS) * Endorsement of 4 or more symptoms of inattention on a clinical psychiatric interview (e.g. Parent DISC, DICA, Kiddie-SADS, Mini-KID) * Comfortable using a computer * Full Scale IQ \> 80 Exclusion Criteria: * Psychosis (by parent report at phone screen), significant depression, autism (15 or \> on Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)), psychotic disorders, visual or hearing impairment or any other disorder that may interfere with task performance * It is in the investigator's opinion that it is not in the subject's best interest to continue * Subject is non-compliant with training schedule * Subjects on pharmacotherapy for ADHD at the time of enrollment will be excluded from Aims 3 and 4. * Subjects starting behavioral or psychological treatment for ADHD during the training phase of the study will be excluded
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- UC Davis MIND Institute — Sacramento, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julie Schweitzer, PhD — UC Davis MIND Institute
- Study coordinator: Juan Ramos
- Email: hs-airlab@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 916-703-0294
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: ADHD, Distractibility, Virtual Reality, Attention, Child, Pediatric