This is a systematic review and meta-analysis which looks at data from more than 500 children with ADHD from 10 randomised controlled trials, comparing the effects of Neurofeedback with ‘active treatments’ (including medication and ‘non-active’ (no treatment) conditions. To critically interpret the data, researchers with different views on Neurofeedback contributed to this study. They concluded that Neurofeedback had long-lasting effects after an average of 6 months, with no ongoing therapy sessions needed after the initial program compared to the group which was still taking medication at follow-up, and at follow-up, the effects of neurofeedback were comparable to the effects of medication.

This is the largest multi-centre randomised study on SCP Neurofeedback, in 150 children with ADHD. The study confirms the specific efficacy of SCP neurofeedback on the core symptoms of ADHD compared to a semi-active control group. This demonstrates the feasibility and, above all, the efficacy of SCP neurofeedback in children with ADHD, controlling for specific and unspecific effects.

This paper demonstrates the results of the ‘individualized’ neurofeedback approach – also called QEEG informed neurofeedback – which is employed within neuroCare Clinics worldwide. This manuscript also summarises how personalisation of neurofeedback treatment, both within this study and in an earlier study by an independent group, potentially doubles clinical treatment effects.

Dr Ryan exlores the role of sleep in ADHD to explain the positive effects of Neurofedback as a treatment option in this patient group.