Neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique which usually uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain and provide real-time feedback to the individual. This approach is proposed as a non-pharmacological alternative (an intervention which isn’t medication) to help people self-regulate ADHD-related brain activity and reduce behavioural symptoms.
The review, published in JAMA Psychiatry, included a meta-analysis of 38 randomised controlled trials (studies in which people are randomly assigned to different groups to test a specific intervention) investigating the outcomes of neurofeedback treatment in individuals with ADHD. It focused on trials where reports of symptoms were likely ‘blinded’, meaning the reporters were unaware of who received neurofeedback and who didn’t.
The study found that overall neurofeedback did not significantly reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. It also did not improve cognitive performance, except for a small beneficial effect on the speed participants processed information.
The research was conducted on behalf of the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG).
The researchers also found no differences between neurofeedback and other non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical exercise or cognitive training – although there were few trials investigating these. There was no evidence for benefits of new neurofeedback such techniques such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) neurofeedback.
Professor Sonuga-Barke was joint senior author with Professors Samuele Cortese (University of Southampton) and Daniel Brandeis (University of Zurich).