Wearables in ADHD: Monitoring and Intervention-Where Are We Now?

Wearable devices capable of continuously sampling movement, autonomic arousal and neuro-electrical activity are emerging as promising complements to traditional assessment and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By moving data collection from the clinic to everyday settings, these technologies offer an unprecedented window onto the moment-to-moment fluctuations that characterise the condition. Drawing on a comprehensive literature search spanning 2013 to February 2025 across biomedical and engineering databases, we reviewed empirical studies that used commercial or research-grade wearables for ADHD-related diagnosis, monitoring or intervention. Titles and abstracts were screened against predefined inclusion criteria, with full-text appraisal and narrative synthesis of the eligible evidence. A narrative synthesis was conducted, with inclusion criteria targeting empirical studies of wearable devices applied to ADHD for monitoring, mixed monitoring-plus-intervention, or intervention-only applications. No quantitative pooling was undertaken due to heterogeneity of designs, endpoints, and analytic methods. The reviewed body of work demonstrates that accelerometers, heart-rate and electrodermal sensors, and lightweight EEG headsets can enrich clinical assessment by capturing ecologically valid markers of hyperactivity, arousal and attentional lapses. Continuous monitoring studies suggest that wearable-derived metrics align with symptom trajectories and medication effects, while early intervention trials explore haptic prompts, attention-supporting apps and non-invasive neuromodulation delivered through head-worn devices. Across age groups, participants generally tolerate these tools well and value the objective feedback they provide. Nevertheless, the literature is limited by heterogeneous study designs, modest sample sizes and short follow-up periods, making direct comparison and clinical translation challenging. Current evidence paints an optimistic picture of the feasibility and acceptability of wearables in ADHD, yet larger, standardised and longer-term investigations are needed to confirm their clinical utility. Collaboration between clinicians, engineers and policymakers will be crucial to address data-privacy, equity and cost-effectiveness concerns and to integrate wearable technology into routine ADHD care.