1Short-Term Effects of Playing Computer Games on Attention

Objective: The main aim of the present study is to investigate the short-term cognitive effects of computer games in chil-dren with different psychiatric disorders and normal controls. Method: 101 children are recruited for the study (aged between 9 and 12 years). All participants played a motor-racing game on the computer for 1 hour. The Stroop TBAG test was applied to all participants twice (pretest: before playing the computer game, posttest: then immediately after playing the game. Results: Participants with improved posttest scores, compared to their pretest scores, used the computer on aver-age 0.67 ± 1.1 hr/day, while the average use of computers was measured at 1.6 ± 1.4 hr/day and 1.3 ± 0.9 hr/day for par-ticipants with worsened or unaltered scores, respectively. According to the regression model, male gender, younger ages, duration of daily computer use, and ADAD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) inattention type were found to be independent risk factors for worsened posttest scores. Conclusions: Time spent playing computer games can exert a short-term effect on attention as measured by the Stroop test. (J. of Att. Dis. 2007; XX(X) 1-XX