The Investigation of Efficacy of Impulse Control Game on Impulsivity and Behavioral Problems as an Adjuvant Therapy among 8-12-Year-Old Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. As the impulse control is a major part of their problems, they must learn how to control these impulses. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of impulse control game on impulsivity and behavioral problems of children with ADHD. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. The statistical population included 60 children with ADHD at the range of 8-12 years. They were randomly divided into two equal groups of intervention and control. For the children in intervention group, the impulse control game was performed for eight weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each time. After the intervention, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were completed by the parents and teachers. Assessments were repeated one month later to track the effects of the intervention. At the same time, a neutral game was played in the control group. During the study, both groups took Ritalin 10 mg daily. Finding: There was not significant difference in impulse control between subjects in the intervention group and control group. However, in terms of grades of general problems, behavioral problems, problems with peers, and increasing socially desirable behavior in terms of parents, significant differences were obtained with (P < 0.05). According to the teacher, there was a significant difference in the scores of general problems (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in other subgroups. Conclusion: Impulse control game in improved behavioral problems over time in children with ADHD. However, it did not have a significant effect on impulsivity in these patients. © 2021 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.