Grant: CIHR Fellowship

The number of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses continues to increase, affecting 10% of youth across North America. Youth with ADHD have difficulties with attention and this interferes with their daily productivity, behaviour, and mood. As a result of this interference, the individual can express low self-perception and competency, which can lead to stress, depression, and deviant behaviour. Medicinal treatment is an accepted solution to reduce ADHD symptoms; however, the effects of medication are not always effective and tolerance to the drug can develop quickly. Fortunately, non-pharmaceutical solutions, such as "brain training games" are a promising new alternative solution to treat attention difficulties. In fact, previous research has suggested that these brain training games form a habit from repeated practice, teaching the user how to pay attention. However, most training programs lack engagement, which has resulted in issues with treatment compliance, and in turn, these programs ultimately fail. The current research program is a clinical trial testing 'how' and 'for whom' online brain training with video-game-like characteristics can improve attention for children and adolescents with ADHD. It is expected that an engaging task will motivate the user to adhere to the training regimen and therefore reap the full benefits of the brain training program. The benefits received from online brain training can translate to improvements in self-perception and competency; thus, transferring to multiple domains. Also, the current study will uncover key traits that explain who benefits the most from brain training to further tailor this intervention to the individual's needs. Overall, this research program is designed to help children and adolescents with ADHD; yet, the knowledge gained from this timely and novel research has the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with other challenges like depression and anxiety.