Procesamiento temporal y aversión a la espera: el uso de videojuegos como herramienta de tamizaje para la detección temprana de TDAH

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral syndrome where inattention and/or hyperactivity impair social, academic or occupational function. Cognitive impairments in temporal abilities and delay aversion have been related to ADHD. The aim of this study is to design a game-like software that assesses temporal perception for the early detection of ADHD. Method: Two groups of 7 to 10 children (17 with ADHD and 17 control children) were compared on their performance on four game-like software based on Delay Aversion, Anticipation, Synchronization Tapping and Time reproduction experimental tasks. Results: All games detected significant differences between groups in accuracy or variability. The Discriminant function correctly classified 82.4% of the cases. Conclusions: Although the conversion of experimental tasks into game-like software implies a compromise between experimental rigour and screening efficiency, the use of videogames to measure cognitive processes is a potential tool for preventive healthcare.