Pathology

Neuroscience

Neurofeedback

Intervention (counseling)

Psychotherapist

Clinical psychology

Psychiatry

Surgery

Physical therapy

Sensorimotor rhythm

Psychology

Randomized controlled trial

Clinical Practice

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Electroencephalography

Clinical trial

Medicine

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Current Psychiatry Reports

Current traditional treatments for ADHD present serious limitations in terms of long-term maintenance of symptom remission and side effects. Here, we provide an overview of the rationale and scientific evidence of the efficacy of neurofeedback in regulating the brain functions in ADHD. We also review the institutional and professional regulation of clinical neurofeedback implementations. Based on meta-analyses and (large multicenter) randomized controlled trials, three standard neurofeedback training protocols, namely theta/beta (TBR), sensori-motor rhythm (SMR), and slow cortical potential (SCP), turn out to be efficacious and specific. However, the practical implementation of neurofeedback as a clinical treatment is currently not regulated. We conclude that neurofeedback based on standard protocols in ADHD should be considered as a viable treatment alternative and suggest that further research is needed to understand how specific neurofeedback protocols work. Eventually, we emphasize the need for standard neurofeedback training for practitioners and binding standards for use in clinical practice.

Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice