Neurofeedback in ADHD: Further Pieces of the Puzzle

Abstract

Among the different neuromodulation techniques, neurofeedback (NF) is gaining increasing interest in the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this article, a methodological framework is summarised considering the training as a neuro-behavioural treatment. Randomised controlled trials are selectively reviewed. Results from two smaller-scale studies are presented with the first study comprising a tomographic analysis over the course of a slow cortical potential (SCP) training and a correlational analysis of regulation skills and clinical outcome in children with ADHD. In the second study, ADHD-related behaviour was studied in children with tic disorder who either conducted a SCP training or a theta/low-beta (12-15 Hz) training (single-blind, randomised design). Both studies provide further evidence for the specificity of NF effects in ADHD. Based on these findings, a refined model of the mechanisms contributing to the efficacy of SCP training is developed. Despite a number of open questions concerning core mechanisms, moderators and mediators, NF (theta/beta and SCP) training seems to be on its way to become a valuable and ethically acceptable module in the treatment of children with ADHD.

Neurofeedback for ADHD

“…37,38 Several controlled studies produced evidence of short-term improvements in core symptoms, neuropsychological functions, and electrophysiologic correlates of ADHD; for overviews, see Refs. [39][40][41][42] Meanwhile, meta-analyses have been published on the effects of neurofeedback on ADHD symptoms. The first meta-analysis on the effects of neurofeedback on ADHD core symptoms 6 included data on 467 subjects from 10 prospective, controlled trials.…”

The Problem of Patient Heterogeneity and Lack of Proper Training in a Study of EEG Neurofeedback in Children

“…7-9 2. Importantly, pre-quantitative and post-quantitative EEG at the group level would have also been desired given the comorbidity 10 and medication issues in addition to reward parameters. 11 It would also be advantageous to examine the EEG changes in the placebo group as a result of the procedure to better understand the nature of self-regulation and its global effects.…”

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and current possibilities of its treatment by the method of neurofeedback training

“…Таким образом, в методе НБУ пациенты тренируются модулировать специфические аспекты собственной био-электрической активности путем оперантного обучения с положительным подкреплением в виде своеобразной компьютерной игры, что особенно привлекательно для детей и подростков [15]. В течение последних десятилетий при использовании НБУ были установлены долговремен-ные эффекты, касающиеся улучшения внимания, контро-ля за поведением, увеличения корковой активации и ро-ста показателей интеллекта и успеваемости [16].…”