A decade of apps for ADHD management: a scoping review

Jonathan Hernández- Capistrán, Giner Alor-Hernández, Laura Nely Sánchez-Morales and Isaac Machorro-Cano

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 16, 4037-4064

Abstract: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder typically treated with pharmacotherapy; alternatives such as mobile apps have emerged to support individuals with ADHD. This review utilised the Arksey and O'Malley scoping framework to assess mobile apps for ADHD, examining their characteristics, target users, treatment modalities, techniques, gamification elements, and medical endorsements. We analyzed records from the past decade (2013–2023) across eight digital libraries and two virtual app stores (Google Play Store and Apple's App Store). From 3,474 potentially relevant apps, 46 were analyzed and categorised as commercial or non-commercial, and categorised into video game and non-video game mobile apps. Addressing four primary research questions, the study revealed significant insights: 29.7% of ADHD mobile apps that focused on cognitive treatment, 14.8% aided clinical diagnosis, and cognitive (13.66%) and executive functions (11.8%) techniques were the most commonly prioritised treatment methods. Notably, only two of the 35 commercial mobile apps received medical endorsements, while levels and statistics emerged as the most popular gamification elements. Therefore, this study highlights the widespread availability of mobile mental health apps for individuals with ADHD and their caregivers and underscores the need for future research to integrate mobile apps into ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2025.2461225

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