Effectiveness of different digital interventions on symptoms for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a network meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Effectiveness of different digital interventions on symptoms for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a network meta-analysis

  • By

  • Jingqi Mei

  • Wenhua Zhang

  • Jie Bin

  • June 10, 2026

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Clinical Report: Comparative Efficacy of Digital Interventions on ADHD Symptoms

Overview

This network meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of various digital interventions for ADHD in children and adolescents.

Background

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 7.6% of children globally, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning and increased healthcare costs. Traditional treatment often involves medication, which necessitates careful monitoring. Digital interventions are emerging as a potential supplementary or alternative treatment option, warranting systematic evaluation of their efficacy.

Data Highlights

OutcomeEffect Size (SMD)95% CI
Inattention-0.44(-0.62, -0.26)
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity-0.26(-0.41, -0.12)
Executive Function-0.41(-0.85, 0.02)

Key Findings

  • Digital interventions significantly improved inattention symptoms (SMD = -0.44).
  • Improvements in hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms were also significant (SMD = -0.26).
  • Executive function improvements did not reach statistical significance (SMD = -0.41).
  • Neurofeedback showed the highest relative SUCRA value for inattentive symptoms (79.4%).
  • Computer-based cognitive tasks had the highest SUCRA value for hyperactive-impulsive behaviors (76.1%).
  • Mobile gaming applications demonstrated the highest SUCRA value for enhancing executive function (72.9%).

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that digital interventions can be effective in managing core symptoms of ADHD.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the effects of digital interventions on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Efficacy of game-based interventions on cognitive performance in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta–analysis
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological therapies in adolescents with subthreshold depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  3. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of digital tools on step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in healthy children and adolescents
  4. NICE, 2025 -- Overview | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management
  5. AAFP -- Brain health: clinical guidance and practice resources
  6. Frontiers, 2026 -- Effectiveness of Different Digital Interventions on Symptoms for Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Network Meta-Analysis
  7. npj Digital Medicine — A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Transdiagnostic Online Intervention for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents
  8. Overview | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  9. Brain health: clinical guidance and practice resources | AAFP
  10. Frontiers | Effectiveness of Different Digital Interventions on Symptoms for Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Network Meta-Analysis
  11. Network meta-analysis of the effects of long-term non-pharmacologic treatment on inhibitory control in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ScienceDirect
  12. Evaluating the evidence: a systematic review of reviews of the effectiveness and safety of digital interventions for ADHD | BMC Psychiatry | Springer Nature Link
  13. A novel digital intervention for actively reducing severity of paediatric ADHD (STARS-ADHD): a randomised controlled trial - ScienceDirect
  14. EndeavorRx®Instructions for UseRevision SFor parents, caregivers and licensed health care providersRx OnlyPrescription-only digital therapeutic for pediatric
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