Neurofeedback in children with ADHD: validation and challenges

Abstract

Neurofeedback (NF), a type of neurobehavioral training, has gained increasing attention in recent years, especially concerning the treatment of children with ADHD. Promising results have emerged from recent randomized controlled studies, and thus, NF is on its way to becoming a valuable addition to the multimodal treatment of ADHD. In this review, we summarize the randomized controlled trials in children with ADHD that have been published within the last 5 years and discuss issues such as the efficacy and specificity of effects, treatment fidelity and problems inherent in placebo-controlled trials of NF. Directions for future NF research are outlined, which should further address specificity and help to determine moderators and mediators to optimize and individualize NF training. Furthermore, we describe methodological (tomographic NF) and technical (‘tele-NF’) developments that may also contribute to further improvements in treatment outcome.

Keywords::

• θ/β training
• ADHD
• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• evaluation
• mediators
• moderators
• neurofeedback
• SCPs
• self-regulation
• slow cortical potentials
• specificity

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Parts of this work were funded by the German Research Foundation (HE 4536/2, MO 726/2, RO 698/4). A Rothenberger also serves on advisory boards and speakers’ bureaus of Eli Lilly, Shire and Medice and received educational grants from Eli Lilly and Shire. H Gevensleben, GH Moll and H Heinrich reported no potential conflicts of interest. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

^†These have to be considered when interpreting the results of a neurofeedback study.

CNV: Contingent negative variation; EP: Evoked potential; SCP: Slow cortical potential; SMR: Sensorimotor rhythm.