Neurofeedback(NF) research is showing that adolescent ADHD can be effectively treated without harmful, sometimes life long, medication. In a six month fallow-up comparing medication and NF, children that had NF treatment exhibited equal reduction of symptoms, but more “fundamental improvement” in academics (Pahlevanian). A past flaw with treating ADHD with NF has been the amount of time, and or money, it takes to obtain desired effects. However, with a better understanding of the underlying mechanics of NF, studies have been able to obtain desired effects in half to a fraction of the time. A 2018 fMRI NF study successfully showed that children with ADHD could learn to self-regulate specific brain behavior within only 8 runs with 8.5 minute intervals (Rubia). The effects of NF were also determined to be long lasting staying consistent, or improved further, in six-month fallow ups.
Sources:
- Pahlevanian, Aliakbar1, et al. “Neurofeedback Associated with Neurocognitive-Rehabilitation Training on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, vol. 15, no. 1, Feb. 2017, pp. 100–109. EBSCOhost, http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.rrcc.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=12&sid=4bd909f3-77da-48cf-9d5e-095f53beeaff%40pdc-v-sessmgr01.
- Rubia, K., et al. “Functional Connectivity Changes Associated with FMRI Neurofeedback of Right Inferior Frontal Cortex in Adolescents with ADHD.” NeuroImage, vol. 188, Mar. 2019, pp. 43–58. EBSCOhost, https://www-sciencedirect-com.rrcc.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S1053811918321360.
The Future of Neuroscience 