A biofeedback-based programme to improve attention and impulsivity in adults with ADHD

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neuropsychiatric condition characterised by attention and impulsivity problems, is one of the most common behavioural disorders in Ireland. The first-line treatment for ADHD is psycho-stimulant medication. However, these can have limited effectiveness, particularly in adults, and are often associated with adverse side-effects. It is thus imperative that new non-pharmaceutical approaches to treatment are developed. This study aims to combine psychoeducation with skin-conductance biofeedback to train adults with ADHD to increase their arousal. The training focuses on everyday problems of inattentiveness and impulse control and participants identify goals to which they learn to apply self-initiated alerting techniques. Participants are assessed at baseline, immediately following the 5-week training period, and after 3 months. Pre- and post-training goals ratings are also recorded. Research methods and preliminary outcomes are presented.

Keywords:

• self-alerting
• biofeedback
• goals

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Health Research Board (grant number: H01352).