AI Insight
This pilot study examined 17 adults with ADHD and problematic internet use, testing their cognitive performance using virtual reality assessments at baseline and after 4 weeks of routine clinical treatment. Results showed significant improvement in working memory and reduction in internet addiction scores, but surprisingly revealed a decline in attention scores. A positive correlation between internet addiction and working memory at baseline disappeared after treatment.
Why it matters
The study demonstrates that virtual reality-based cognitive assessments may be a feasible tool for monitoring treatment progress in adults with ADHD and problematic internet use patterns. This approach could offer more ecologically valid evaluations of cognitive functioning compared to traditional paper-and-pencil tests, though the unexpected decline in attention scores warrants further investigation.
Understand the Science
IntroductionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with variability in attentional and executive functioning, and individuals with ADHD frequently present problematic patterns of internet use. Virtual-reality (VR)–based assessments have been proposed to improve ecological evaluation of cognitive performance. This pilot study explored cognitive performance variations in adults with ADHD, examining associations with problematic internet-use during routine clinical treatment.MethodsA pilot study was conducted in 17 adults with ADHD and clinically relevant problematic internet use. Participants were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1) using the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and an immersive VR continuous performance test (Nesplora Aquarium) assessing attentional and executive-function indices.ResultsComparison between T0 and T1 revealed a significant improvement in working memory (Z = −2.638, p = 0.008) and a reduction in IAT scores (Z = −2.392, p = 0.017). Conversely, attention scores showed a decline (Z = −2.899, p = 0.004). At baseline, a positive correlation was found between IAT scores and working memory, which disappeared after treatment.DiscussionThese results provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of VR-based cognitive monitoring in adults with ADHD and require confirmation in larger controlled studies.