What is Neurofeedback Training for ADHD?

There are a variety of behavioral strategies for treating the attention and activity components of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

One of these strategies is known as neurofeedback. 

A recent study in the journal Pediatrics found evidence for effectiveness of in-school neurofeedback for ADHD in a randomized controlled trial.

In this trial, 104 children between the ages of 7 and 11 years of age were randomized to one of three research arms: in-school neurofeedback, cognitive therapy and control condition.

Subject children in the study received a supervised 45 minute intervention three times per week over a 5 month period.

The in-school neurofeedback system utilized in this study was the Play Attention system by Unique Logic and Technology. This system is a computer-based program that is installed by CD on a Mac or PC computer. Users wear a bicycle helmet with sensors and manipulate screen figures. The goal is to decrease brain EEG theta activity and increase EEG beta activity. The feedback provided by the system allows users to get real time information on EEG activity.

In the clinical trial students randomized to the in-school neurofeedback arm outperformed on key outcome variables including:

• Conners 3-P Inattention scale
• Conners 3-P Executive function scale
• Conners 3-P Hyperactivity/Impulsivity scale
• BRIEF Global Executive Composite scale

Children were allowed to be on stimulant medication in this study. Stimulant dosages were independently monitored over the course of the study. Subjects in the neurofeedback arm received a equal dose of stimulant during the study while the other two groups had a naturalistic increase in dose. This suggests the neurofeedback intervention reduced need for escalating doses of stimulant.

The authors note that the use of a helmet in the neurofeedback group alone prevented complete blinding in the study and could confound their findings.

Readers with more information about this study can access the free full-text manuscript by clicking on the PMID link below. Additionally, the Play Attention neurofeedback website can be accessed here. I am not paid for this post and receive no money from the neurofeedback company.

Figure of frontal lobe known to be involved in attention and executive function is a screen shot from the iPad app Brain Tutor.

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Steiner NJ, Frenette EC, Rene KM, Brennan RT, & Perrin EC (2014). In-school neurofeedback training for ADHD: sustained improvements from a randomized control trial. Pediatrics, 133 (3), 483-92 PMID: 24534402