Identification of Effective Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs in Improving Attention in the Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Computerized programs for brain empowerment with regular, intensive, and continuous cognitive exercises improve cognitive functions such as attention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This review study aimed to identify effective computerized programs for improving attention in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: This descriptive narrative review was done in 2018 through library review and searching keywords including "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder", "computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs", and "play therapy" in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The results of this review were investigated through the semi-structured interview and classified based on the attention areas of children and adolescents with ADHD. Results: Based on the review, Caption Log, Pay Attention, Cogmed Working Memory, Memory GYM, Attention GYM, Brainware Safari, 8 Sciences' ACTIVATET, Lumosity, My Happy Neuron, Smart Driver, and educational packages such as Maghzine were effective programs to improve different types of attention (focused, divided, intermittent, continuous, and selective) in the ADHD children aged four years old and older. Conclusion: Considering the significant effects of computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs in empowering cognitive skills such as attention, their use as a complementary treatment in improving the quality of life of children and adolescents with ADHD is promising. However, it is suggested to evaluate such programs with larger samples, transfer their educational effects to daily life, and improve their quality by providing more components of such programs.

Keywords

• attention deficit
• hyperactivity
• computerized cognitive rehabilitation
• game therapy