Managing any kind of illness or condition is an extremely challenging task. Depending upon the severity and type, you might have to undergo multiple treatments. ADHD is one such condition that can require therapy, medication, or both. However, several types of technologies can make it easier to manage ADHD.

In today’s age of hyperconnectivity, treating a condition like ADHD using technology can seem counter-intuitive. But software and hardware exists that can significantly ease symptoms. Although, their effectiveness depends on how they’re used.

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often diagnosed in childhood and continues into adulthood. According to the CDC, nearly 6.1 million children in the US have ADHD. This condition can be extremely taxing and affect a person’s life.

ADHD involves a lack of focus, hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, and much more. The symptoms vary from person to person. ADHD symptoms can hamper self-esteem, social relationships, and academic lives.

Standard treatments involve a combination of long-term behavioral therapy and medication. While not designed for ADHD, the technologies mentioned below can be quite helpful.

1. Meditation Apps and the Muse Headband

A woman meditating on the floor

Meditation is one of the many methods that can help manage symptoms of ADHD. Mindfulness can train you to focus and take care of impulsivity. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that mindfulness improved emotional regulation in ADHD patients.

Meditation apps are a great way to get started. Some of them are:

Atom: Atom is a free meditation app for beginners. If you’re new to meditation, Atom can help you build a habit in 21 days. It has a habit tracking system, daily sessions, quizzes, rewards, and more to keep you motivated.

Calm: Calm is one of the best meditation apps with plenty of features. It focuses on improving mental health and mindfulness. Its sessions help you with sleep, anxiety, focus, and stress. The app also features a specific section for children.

If you want to track metrics such as brainwave, heart rate, and breathing, the Muse headband is a great addition. It is a meditation device that detects when you’re losing focus and gives real-time audio feedback.

2. Gamified Habit Tracker Apps

A notebook and a laptop on a table

When you have ADHD, you can easily lose track of time. A lack of attention span and the inability to follow through with a task can drastically affect productivity. That’s why keeping track of your daily tasks and schedules is so important.

Gamified habit trackers are a great way to stay on track. Unlike basic trackers, they motivate and remind you using virtual rewards. Some apps that you can try are:

Habitica: Habitica offers a personalized and creative approach to time management. Unlike a simple to-do list, it adds several layers of gamification to everyday tasks. Completing tasks gives you XP, and unlocks quests and features for your character. If you fail to complete a task, like a game, each player does suffer some loss. That helps you stay accountable.

Level Up Life: This is another fun RPG-style habit tracker. If you’re a fan of RPG games, Level Up Life is the habit tracker for you. Completing daily tasks gives you XP and helps level up your digital avatar. You can assign a task to any of the 13 sub-categories. Additionally, the option to improve your score and compete with other players is an added advantage.

3. Smartwatches

A person wearing an Apple Watch with a white silicone strap

If you zone out frequently, a smartwatch can be a powerful guide. People with ADHD may struggle with focused attention and get easily distracted. While in school or the workplace, this can be a challenge.

Another factor to consider, especially in adults, is smartphone overuse. This behavior is the opposite of inactivity. Due to the hyperactive tendencies, the urge to constantly use social media or other applications may become extremely distracting. In both these scenarios, a smartwatch can help you stay focussed.

A smartwatch such as the Apple Watch may not be the most suitable option for children. However, watches like the WatchMinder are a great option to help beat low attention spans. These are simple vibrating smartwatches that send you private reminders throughout the day. You can customize every reminder on the watch. Due to their non-distracting nature, they are a great option for kids.

On the other hand, any of the popular smartwatches is a good option for adults. While a smartphone can fulfill the same purpose, a smartwatch can help you limit smartphone usage.

Additionally, you can even manage your habit-tracking apps without using your phone through a smartwatch. That can build consistent routines and help you become more aware of your to-do lists. The goal is to spend as much time away from your phone as possible.

4. Virtual Reality Therapy

A boy wearing a virtual reality headset

Virtual reality is gradually becoming a mainstream source of media consumption. While it is mostly used for gaming and entertainment, its applications in healthcare are noteworthy. Researchers from the UC Davis Mind Institute are actively conducting trials on how virtual reality can help treat ADHD.

VR therapy can be especially beneficial for children. The treatment proposed is similar to virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET). It exposes the child to a realistic environment, such as a classroom. Then, distracting stimuli are introduced in the scene. Real-time monitoring teaches the child to ignore such stimuli and work on a longer attention span.

Another area where VR can help with ADHD is VR meditation. This is already commercially available. If you struggle to focus on your own or with the help of plain audio, VR can be a great alternative.

VR meditation can transport you to hyperrealistic scenes such as beaches, forests, or waterfalls without leaving your room. Additionally, several VR meditation games—such as Flowbourne and Playne—can make meditation more enjoyable.

5. Gaming Therapy

A Sony Playstation controller on a solid yellow background

Video games can become addictive, especially at a young age, but they also have many helpful aspects.

Researchers are now testing methods to use video games therapeutically. Games help children and adults focus on a single task for prolonged periods. Apart from entertainment, gaming involves rapid decision-making, micromanagement, and problem-solving. These factors are key for ADHD treatment using video games.

Since games help retain attention, they are potentially a learning tool for children. EndeavorRx is the first FDA-cleared video game for children with ADHD. Yes, you need a prescription from a doctor to buy this game. The game targets areas of the brain responsible for attention and focus in children.

Is It Safe to Manage ADHD Through Technology?

Technology continues to get better every day. Most social media sites use algorithms to keep you scrolling. And the endless list of features on smartphones and applications can make it even harder to limit usage, more so if you have ADHD.

Therefore, picking the right kind of technology is the best way to benefit from it. If you or your child has a smartphone addiction, then investing in a smartwatch may be ideal. Similarly, incorporating a mindfulness routine will benefit all age groups with ADHD. These methods are not medical replacements but great additional resources.