Can Computer Technology Reduce ADHD Symptoms?

by Native Health

Biofeedback, a mind-body technique, is now being used to help children suffering from ADHD.

German scientists recently published a study showing that a variation of biofeedback may help alleviate ADHD symptoms.¹ The published results show that a significant portion of the participating children benefited from this specialized training technique.

The study is entitled, Neurofeedback Training in Children with ADHD: 6-month Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial. It was published in the journal, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, in 2010.

Neurofeedback, a variation of biofeedback, is used to train people how to control their brain waves and related mental functions, according to ISNR (International Society for Neurofeedback & Research), an organization that researches this technique.

Currently, three devices are used together for neurofeedback sessions: a compact electroencephalograph (EEG) machine, electronic sensors for the human scalp, and software.

The EEG machine amplifies and records brain waves that are detected through head-mounted sensors and sends the wave signals to a computer. Special software on the computer translates the brain waves into a visual display. Patients can then learn how to manipulate their own brain waves, seeing the results in real time.

The benefits of neurofeedback can include better mentions functions. That’s what scientists found in the 2010 study on the use of this technique for ADHD.

In the study, ninety-four children suffering from ADHD were assigned to either a control group or a neurofeedback group and participated in thirty-six computer-driven training sessions.

The neurofeedback group was given theta/beta training and SCP (slow cortical potentials) training.

This group was shown how to reduce theta brain waves and increase beta brain waves by controlling two digital bars displayed on a computer screen, say Holger Gevensleben and several colleagues who co-wrote the study.

The publishing findings also show that the children were taught how to decrease or increase cerebral cortex brain activity as part of SCP training.

The scientists assessed the results from five questionnaires given to parents of the children who had ADHD. The conclusion was that neurofeedback was effective in reducing levels of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and homework problems in a significant portion of these children.

Parents who would like to find a neurofeedback provider for their children can do so at EEGInfo.com, a site that provides information about various aspects of this technique.

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Sources:

1. Holger Gevensleben et al, “Neurofeedback Training in Children with ADHD: 6-Month Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial,” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.