When only trials are considered that include probably blinded ratings or those that are sham-NF or semi-active controlled or those that employed optimally titration procedures , the findings do not support theta/beta NF as a st and alone treatment for children or adolescents with ADHD .
This review concludes that the present role of NF in treating children diagnosed with ADHD should be considered as complementary in a multimodal treatment approach , individualized to the needs of the child , and may be considered a viable alternative to stimulants for a specific group of patients .
This systematic review aim ed to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback ( NF ) compared to stimulant medication in treating children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) .
Neurocognitive effects of neurofeedback in adolescents with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE Neurofeedback aims to reduce symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) , mainly attention problems . However , the additional influence of neurofeedback over treatment as usual ( TAU ) on neurocognitive functioning for adolescents with ADHD remains unclear . METHOD By using a multicenter parallel r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) design , male adolescents with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD ( mean age = 16.1 years ; range , 12 - 24 ) were r and omized to receive either a combination of TAU and neurofeedback ( n = 45 ) or TAU ( n = 26 ) . R and omization was computer generated and stratified by age group ( ages 12 through 15 , 16 through 20 , and 21 through 24 years ) . The neurofeedback intervention consisted of approximately 37 sessions over a period of 25 weeks of theta/sensorimotor rhythm training on the vertex ( Cz ) . Primary neurocognitive outcomes included performance parameters derived from the D2 Test of Attention , the Digit Span backward , the Stroop Color-Word Test and the Tower of London , all assessed preintervention and postintervention . Data were collected between December 2009 and July 2012 . RESULTS At postintervention , outcomes of attention and /or motor speed were improved , with faster processing times for both intervention conditions and with medium to large effect sizes ( range , ηp2 = .08-.54 ; P values < .023 ) . In both groups , no improvements for higher executive functions were observed . Results might partly resemble practice effects . CONCLUSIONS Although neurocognitive outcomes improved in all adolescents receiving treatment for ADHD , no additional value for neurofeedback over TAU was observed . Hence , this study does not provide evidence for using theta/sensorimotor rhythm neurofeedback to enhance neurocognitive performance as additional intervention to TAU for adolescents with ADHD symptoms . TRIAL REGISTRATION Trialregister.nl identifier : 1759
When only trials are considered that include probably blinded ratings or those that are sham-NF or semi-active controlled or those that employed optimally titration procedures , the findings do not support theta/beta NF as a st and alone treatment for children or adolescents with ADHD .
This review concludes that the present role of NF in treating children diagnosed with ADHD should be considered as complementary in a multimodal treatment approach , individualized to the needs of the child , and may be considered a viable alternative to stimulants for a specific group of patients .
This systematic review aim ed to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback ( NF ) compared to stimulant medication in treating children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) .