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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Neurofeedback training in children with ADHD: 6-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Holger Gevensleben1, Birgit Holl, Björn Albrecht
1Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, v.Siebold-Str. 5, Göttingen, Germany.
Insights
Neurofeedback (NF) training demonstrated sustained behavioral improvements in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at a 6-month follow-up. These findings suggest NF is an effective treatment module for ADHD in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts children's attentional and self-management skills.
- Neurofeedback (NF) is a potential intervention for improving these capabilities in children with ADHD.
- Previous research indicated NF's superiority over computerized attention skills training (AST).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of NF training in children with ADHD.
- To assess the maintenance of treatment effects at a 6-month follow-up.
- To compare NF training with computerized AST for ADHD symptom management.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 94 children with ADHD (aged 8-12 years).
- Participants received either 36 sessions of NF training (n=59) or computerized AST (n=35).
- Behavioral assessments using parent-completed rating scales (including FBB-HKS) were conducted pre-training, post-training, and at 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Behavioral improvements in the NF group at follow-up were superior to the control group and comparable to post-training effects.
- A medium effect size (0.71) was observed for the primary outcome measure (FBB-HKS total score) at follow-up.
- 50% of children in the NF group met the responder criterion (≥25% reduction in the primary outcome measure).
Conclusions:
- Behavioral improvements from NF training in children with ADHD are maintained at 6-month follow-up.
- NF training is a clinically effective component in the comprehensive treatment of childhood ADHD.
- While treatment effects are moderate, NF offers a valuable therapeutic option.
Abstract:
Neurofeedback (NF) could help to improve attentional and self-management capabilities in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a randomised controlled trial, NF training was found to be superior to a computerised attention skills training (AST) (Gevensleben et al. in J Child Psychol Psychiatry 50(7):780-789, 2009). In the present paper, treatment effects at 6-month follow-up were studied. 94 children with ADHD, aged 8-12 years, completed either 36 sessions of NF training (n = 59) or a computerised AST (n = 35). Pre-training, post-training and follow-up assessment encompassed several behaviour rating scales (e.g., the German ADHD rating scale, FBB-HKS) completed by parents. Follow-up information was analysed in 61 children (ca. 65%) on a per-protocol basis. 17 children (of 33 dropouts) had started a medication after the end of the training or early in the follow-up period. Improvements in the NF group (n = 38) at follow-up were superior to those of the control group (n = 23) and comparable to the effects at the end of the training. For the FBB-HKS total score (primary outcome measure), a medium effect size of 0.71 was obtained at follow-up. A reduction of at least 25% in the primary outcome measure (responder criterion) was observed in 50% of the children in the NF group. In conclusion, behavioural improvements induced by NF training in children with ADHD were maintained at a 6-month follow-up. Though treatment effects appear to be limited, the results confirm the notion that NF is a clinically efficacious module in the treatment of children with ADHD.
