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Behavioral and Brain Functions
Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Research

Controlled evaluation of a neurofeedback training of slow cortical potentials in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Authors: Renate Drechsler, Marc Straub, Mirko Doehnert, Hartmut Heinrich, Hans-Christoph Steinhausen, Daniel Brandeis

Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

Although several promising studies on neurofeedback training in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been performed in recent years, the specificity of positive treatment effects continues to be challenged.

Methods

To evaluate the specificity of a neurofeedback training of slow cortical potentials, a twofold strategy was pursued: First, the efficacy of neurofeedback training was compared to a group training program for children with ADHD. Secondly, the extent of improvements observed in the neurofeedback group in relation to successful regulation of cortical activation was examined. Parents and teachers rated children's behaviour and executive functions before and after treatment. In addition, children underwent neuropsychological testing before and after training.

Results

According to parents' and teachers' ratings, children of the neurofeedback training group improved more than children who had participated in a group therapy program, particularly in attention and cognition related domains. On neuropsychological measures children of both groups showed similar improvements. However, only about half of the neurofeedback group learned to regulate cortical activation during a transfer condition without direct feedback. Behavioural improvements of this subgroup were moderately related to neurofeedback training performance, whereas effective parental support accounted better for some advantages of neurofeedback training compared to group therapy according to parents' and teachers' ratings.

Conclusion

There is a specific training effect of neurofeedback of slow cortical potentials due to enhanced cortical control. However, non-specific factors, such as parental support, may also contribute to the positive behavioural effects induced by the neurofeedback training.
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Metadata
Title
Controlled evaluation of a neurofeedback training of slow cortical potentials in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors
Renate Drechsler
Marc Straub
Mirko Doehnert
Hartmut Heinrich
Hans-Christoph Steinhausen
Daniel Brandeis
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Behavioral and Brain Functions / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1744-9081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-9081-3-35

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