Remote neurocognitive interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Opportunities and challenges

Da-Wei Zhang; Stuart J Johnstone; Bruno Sauce; Martijn Arns; Li Sun; Han Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110802

Remote neurocognitive interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Opportunities and challenges

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2023 Dec 20:127:110802. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110802. Epub 2023 May 29.

Authors

Da-Wei Zhang¹, Stuart J Johnstone², Bruno Sauce³, Martijn Arns⁴, Li Sun⁵, Han Jiang⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology/Center for Place-Based Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia. Electronic address: dawei.zhang@monash.edu.
² School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Brain & Behaviour Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia.
³ Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
⁴ Research Institute Brainclinics, Brainclinics Foundation, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; NeuroCare Group, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
⁵ Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
⁶ College of Special Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Hangzhou, China.

PMID: 37257770
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110802

Abstract

Improving neurocognitive functions through remote interventions has been a promising approach to developing new treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Remote neurocognitive interventions may address the shortcomings of the current prevailing pharmacological therapies for AD/HD, e.g., side effects and access barriers. Here we review the current options for remote neurocognitive interventions to reduce AD/HD symptoms, including cognitive training, EEG neurofeedback training, transcranial electrical stimulation, and external cranial nerve stimulation. We begin with an overview of the neurocognitive deficits in AD/HD to identify the targets for developing interventions. The role of neuroplasticity in each intervention is then highlighted due to its essential role in facilitating neuropsychological adaptations. Following this, each intervention type is discussed in terms of the critical details of the intervention protocols, the role of neuroplasticity, and the available evidence. Finally, we offer suggestions for future directions in terms of optimizing the existing intervention protocols and developing novel protocols.

Keywords: AD/HD; Cognitive training; External cranial nerve stimulation; Neurofeedback training; Neuroplasticity; Non-invasive brain stimulation; Remote intervention.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
Electroencephalography / methods
Humans
Neurofeedback* / methods
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*