Emerging Digital Interventions for ADHD: An Overview of Ongoing Clinical Trials
Elia Gabarron1, Patricia Lopez-Resa2, Octavio Rivera-Romero3
1Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Spain.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|May 23, 2026
Summary
Digital interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are rapidly emerging, with mobile apps and computerized training being most common. Further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Digital Health
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition.
- Digital interventions offer novel approaches for ADHD management.
- Analyzing registered trials provides insight into emerging research trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review registered clinical trials for digital interventions for ADHD.
- To identify and characterize current research directions in digital ADHD interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Registry, and WHO ICTRP.
- Inclusion criteria focused on ongoing trials of digital interventions for ADHD.
Main Results:
- 35 ongoing trials met inclusion criteria out of 149 identified.
- Most common interventions: mobile apps (14), computerized training (6), virtual reality (5), web-based programs (5).
- Interventions typically lasted 6-15 weeks (23), with 12 weeks being most common. Primary outcomes included ADHD symptoms, neurocognitive, emotional, and family-related functions.
Conclusions:
- A growing interest in digital ADHD interventions, especially app-based, medium-term approaches for children and adults, is evident.
- Effectiveness conclusions cannot be drawn from ongoing trial registrations alone.
- A critical gap exists in reported safety outcomes, potentially impacting real-world applicability.
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