[Neurofeedback and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: what is it and is it working?]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Context:

• Neurofeedback (nf) is an increasingly utilized treatment in the Netherlands for various psychiatric and somatic symptoms.
• Its application for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) is growing, yet it remains relatively unfamiliar in psychiatric settings.

Purpose:

• To systematically review the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of neurofeedback for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd).

Summary:

• A literature search identified six controlled trials investigating neurofeedback for adhd.
• While these studies indicated positive effects, all were compromised by significant methodological limitations.

Impact:

• Current research is insufficient to establish definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of neurofeedback for adhd.
• There is a critical need for well-designed and rigorously executed scientific studies to validate this emerging treatment modality.