by Iris Liu (translated by ChatGPT)
2 December 2022
Story brief:
On June 15, 2020, Akili Interactive Labs’ digital therapeutic solution for ADHD, EndeavorRx, was officially approved by the FDA, becoming the first "game prescription drug" designed to improve pathological symptoms in children with ADHD. To date, there have been no reports of serious adverse effects.
Story in detailed description:
According to Boom Health (https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BfVWlH1UHx1VG0yb_LBgxA), EndeavorRx is currently only available in the United States. After receiving a prescription from a doctor, patients can purchase it for $99 per three months. The gameplay is similar to common entertainment "endless runner" games — players control a small aircraft to navigate through various obstacles and collect target objects. Completing levels unlocks new scenes and characters.
What sets EndeavorRx apart is its use of three technical engines: Selective Stimulation Management Engine (SSME™), Body Brain Trainer (BBT™), and Spatial Navigation Engine (SNAV™), which specifically target neurological functions. The game also uses adaptive algorithms that adjust difficulty based on player performance and analyze specific cognitive deficits to provide a personalized experience.
This gamified therapeutic approach expands treatment options and helps families of ADHD patients save on treatment costs, time, and labor. The engaging nature of the game may also reduce patients' resistance to treatment, thereby improving its efficacy.
Implication:
As big data technology advances, digital therapy is becoming a new field of medical research. However, approved digital therapies are still scarce, and their effectiveness and scope of application need further exploration.
From a gaming perspective, while games show effectiveness in treating cognitive and behavioral disorders, the difference between game environments and reality remains a consideration. EndeavorRx’s fantastical alien environment may capture the attention of ADHD children, but once they recover, will they maintain the same level of interest in real-life scenarios? Future considerations might include integrating real-life elements into game design to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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