What Is EndeavorRx, the Video Game for ADHD?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could treat a health condition by playing video games? Sounds like a kid’s dream come true or something taken out of a science fiction novel, right? Believe it or not, this futuristic idea is becoming a reality.

The rise of digital therapeutics — using technology to treat medical conditions — is upon us. These treatments are making changes in several areas. And digital therapeutics for mental health conditions are expanding rapidly.

One notable example is EndeavorRx — the smartphone or mobile device app that can treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This FDA-cleared video game is effective and can be added to your child’s existing ADHD treatment regimen.

Here, we’ll discuss what EndeavorRx is and what to expect if a healthcare provider prescribes this app for your child.

What is EndeavorRx? 

EndeavorRx, produced by Akili Interactive, is the first and only FDA-cleared prescription video game to treat inattentive or combined-type ADHD in children between 8 and 12 years old. This digital therapeutic helps improve attention skills through gameplay. The game grows more challenging as the child’s attention improves.

During an EndeavorRx session, a child guides a character along a course, avoiding obstacles along the way. They will experience both visual and auditory (hearing) stimulation, which act as sources of distraction while playing.

In other words, the game requires the child to focus on several things at the same time. As the child learns to overcome these in-game distractions, the app adapts to the child’s performance. The game then becomes a little bit tougher than before.

EndeavorRx is typically played for about 25 minutes per day, 5 days a week. The game should be used for at least 4 weeks, but it can be continued longer than that based on a healthcare provider’s instructions.

Do you need a prescription for EndeavorRx?

Yes. You’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider to use EndeavorRx. Once a provider has decided EndeavorRx is right for a child, they will contact a pharmacy called Phil. This is currently the only pharmacy that can handle these prescriptions.

Once the prescription is processed, you’ll receive a text message with an activation code. You’ll enter this code in the EndeavorRx app, and it will allow your child to access the game. Prescriptions are typically written for 3 months at a time. This means the app will remain active and playable for 3 months. After that, you’ll need a new activation code.

If you’re curious about the look and feel of EndeavorRx, you can visit their website or download a free 5-minute demo from the Apple App StoreⓇ or Google PlayTM and try it out. Keep in mind the demo is just to help you gauge what EndeavorRx looks like. It’s not designed to treat your child’s ADHD.

Who may be prescribed EndeavorRx?

EndeavorRx is only FDA-cleared for children between ages 8 and 12 years old who have one of the following types of ADHD:

• Predominantly inattentive type: when most symptoms are related to having trouble focusing or being easily distracted

• Combined type: a combination of both attention and hyperactivity symptoms

This treatment wouldn’t be appropriate for children with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD. If your child has a seizure condition or color blindness, this may not be the right choice for them. It also isn’t intended to be used by children under 7 years old or adolescents older than 13. 

EndeavorRx isn’t a replacement for a healthcare provider. It’s important to continue going to all follow-up appointments, as this will help a provider see if the app is working for your child.

The app shouldn’t be used as a first-choice treatment. EndeavorRx is intended to supplement treatment plans that are already in place. A plan could include counseling, behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of the three.

How effective is EndeavorRx?

EndeavorRx has been researched in 5 clinical studies in over 600 children. Two of those studies highlight the effectiveness of this digital therapeutic.

A clinical trial published in 2020 compared two groups of children. One group played EndeavorRx, and another group played focus-based video games that don’t use the EndeavorRx technology. Children in the study didn’t take any ADHD medication.

After a 4-week period, more children using EndeavorRx had improved attention than children in the other group. The parents of the children playing EndeavorRx also noticed more attention improvement than parents of children playing the other games.

A follow-up study published in 2021 looked at whether EndeavorRx was effective when used for longer periods of time. Researchers also allowed children taking ADHD medications to participate in this follow-up study. All children in the study used EndeavorRx for 4 weeks, took a break for 4 weeks, and then played EndeavorRx again for another 4 weeks.

EndeavorRx was similarly effective for both children who did and didn’t take ADHD stimulant medications during the study. The researchers also noted that the benefits experienced after the first 4 weeks didn’t significantly fade during the 4-week break. Children in both groups improved even more once EndeavorRx was repeated for the second 4-week period.

Both of these studies suggest EndeavorRx is effective for helping to treat attention problems in children with ADHD. The more recent study, in particular, suggests that longer treatment may provide greater benefits, and that EndeavorRx can be used with or without medication.

How long does it take for EndeavorRx to work?

Every child’s experience with EndeavorRx may be different. But after using the app for 4 weeks, you or your child’s healthcare provider should be able to see some improvements. If you don’t notice any change after 4 weeks, or if your child’s condition has worsened, let their healthcare provider know.

It’s important to remember that the game gets harder as the child’s symptoms improve — this is intentional. It’s possible your child may get frustrated sometimes when playing EndeavorRx. Do your best to encourage them. Taking brief breaks during a play session from time to time is OK, as long as your child keeps going and makes an effort to finish.

Can you use EndeavorRx with ADHD medications?

Yes. EndeavorRx is intended to be added to your child’s current treatment regimen. It’s not intended to replace it. This regimen may include medications. EndeavorRx has similar effectiveness for children regardless of whether they take ADHD medications — including stimulants.

How much does EndeavorRx cost?

Health insurance companies are slowly beginning to pay for certain digital therapeutics. But not all insurance providers cover EndeavorRx yet. If this is the case, the app should cost no more than $100 per month (less than $300 for a 3-month prescription). The makers of EndeavorRx also offer a patient assistance program to cover the cost of the app for those who qualify.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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