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Results of Neurofeedback in Treatment of Children with ADHD: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent disorders in children and adolescents. Neurofeedback, a nonpharmaceutical treatment, has shown promising results. To review the evidence of efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD. A systematic review of the specific scientific studies published in 1995–2021, identifying and analyzing randomized controlled trials (RCT). A total of 1636 articles were identified and 165 met inclusion criteria, of which 67 were RCTs. Neurofeedback training was associated with significant long-term reduction in symptoms of ADHD. Though limitations exist regarding conclusions about the specific effects of neurofeedback, the review documents improvements in school, social, and family environments.

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Adapted from Page et al. (2021)

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Not applicable, all data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

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Funding

This research study has been funded by Plan Nacional i+d+i (National Research, Development and Innovation Program) (PSI2008–06008-C02–01).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

    Inmaculada Moreno-García & Almudena Cano-Crespo

  2. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

    Francisco Rivera

Authors
  1. Inmaculada Moreno-García
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  2. Almudena Cano-Crespo
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  3. Francisco Rivera
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Contributions

In this review article IM-G had the idea for the article, IM-G and AC-C performed the literature search and data analysis, and IM-G, AC-C and FR drafted and critically revised the work.

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Correspondence to Inmaculada Moreno-García.

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This systematic review was performed following the guidelines and protocols PRISMA, PRISMA-P (Page et al., 2021).

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Moreno-García, I., Cano-Crespo, A. & Rivera, F. Results of Neurofeedback in Treatment of Children with ADHD: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 47, 145–181 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-022-09547-1

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