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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 8 to 12

Using virtual reality to help children with ADHD manage attention

Official title: Virtual Reality Attention Management Program for Improving Attention in Children

Run by University of California, Davis · NCT03221244 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether virtual reality can help children with ADHD focus better and manage distractions in their everyday lives.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 2, 2016
Main results expectedSeptember 2, 2027
Study endsSeptember 2, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT03221244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are children diagnosed with ADHD who exhibit significant inattention and are comfortable using a computer.

Probably not a fit

Patients with psychotic disorders, significant depression, or other conditions that interfere with task performance may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: While the use of VR for attention management is a novel approach, similar interventions targeting distractibility have shown promise in other contexts.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • UC Davis MIND Institute
    Sacramento, California, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.