While video games do not cause ADHD, they can exacerbate symptoms. Those with ADHD may be more susceptible to developing a gaming addiction as a coping mechanism to better deal with their disorder. However, parents working together with their children to address the issue can lead to positive results.

Do video games worsen ADHD?

First, there's no evidence that video games cause ADHD. And one large study from Norway that for several years tracked the gaming habits of kids, starting at age 6, found that those who had more ADHD symptoms tended to play more as they got older. But the sheer amount of screen time did not worsen their condition.

Does gaming help people with ADHD?

Researchers interpreted the findings to suggest that video game playing can “compound kids' existing attention problems.” But the study results don't offer supporting evidence that the games cause or worsen the attention problems — they just suggest that kids who play the most have more severe ADHD symptoms.