Neurofeedback in Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common , chronic , and debilitating disorder . Although pharmacological treatments for ADHD can be easily implemented and are usually effective, their long-term therapeutic effects are still uncertain and adverse events are common, especially sleep problems, decreased appetite, and growth deceleration. Furthermore, psychosocial treatments, such eas parental training and behavioral therapy seem to be effective only during its delivery, and their effects are rarely sustained long-term . Neurofeedback is a biofeedback method based on the rationale that there is a relationship between surface EEG and the underlying thalamocortical mechanisms responsible for its rhythms and frequency modulations . Variations in alertness and behavioural control appear directly related to thalamocortical generator mechanisms. The principle of NF is that over time, participants learn operant control of their EEG and change from an "abnormal" state to one resembling that of typically developing children. This process is thought to eventually remediate the symptoms associated with ADHD .