A Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Posttreatment Efficacy of Neurofeedback, Behavior Therapy, and Pharmacology on ADHD Measures

J Atten Disord. 2019 Feb;23(4):374-383. doi: 10.1177/1087054717693371. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the efficacy of neurofeedback (NF), behavior therapy (BT), and pharmacology (PH) on the improvement of ADHD-related symptoms.

Method: Fifty-nine children with ADHD ( M = 8.80 years, SD = 1.92 years) were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments in a pre/post assessment design. Mother- and teacher-rated ADHD scales and children were assessed using The Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA/CPT).

Results: The three treatments were effective on the IVA/CPT, but with different trends. BT and especially NF achieved improvement on response control and attention, and PH mainly in visual attention. On the rating scales, BT improved all measures, and NF and PH had a minor but interesting influence.

Conclusion: From a global perspective, behavior therapy had the most extensive results, but PH had the greatest capacity to improve overall attention. NF was able to improve both control response and inattention. Clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords: ADHD; behavior therapy; neurofeedback; pharmacological treatment; randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention / physiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage*
  • Neurofeedback / methods
  • Parents / education
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate