Neurofeedback for Executive Function in ADHD Children

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that neurofeedback may offer some benefits for improving executive function in children with ADHD, but the evidence is mixed and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Some studies show promising results, while others indicate that the benefits might be small or inconsistent compared to other interventions or control groups.

Key findings

• Some research indicates that neurofeedback can lead to improvements in certain aspects of executive function in children with ADHD.
• The effectiveness of neurofeedback may vary depending on the specific type of neurofeedback used and the individual needs of the child.
• While neurofeedback shows promise, it is not consistently superior to other non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD-related cognitive difficulties.
• Mobile neurofeedback training platforms are being explored, with early studies suggesting they could be a convenient option for some children.
• It is important to remember that research in this area is ongoing, and while some studies are encouraging, more high-quality studies are needed to provide a definitive answer on the widespread efficacy of neurofeedback for executive function in ADHD.

Studies cited (7)

1. Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis — Zhong X, Yuan X, Dai Y (2025, Scientific reports, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94242-4 PMCID: PMC12316938

2. Effects of Six Types of Exercise Interventions on Inhibitory Control, Executive Function, and Gross Motor Skills in Children With ADHD: A Network Meta-Analysis of 26 Randomized Controlled Trials — Ouyang J, Hu Y, Xia Y (2025, Brain and behavior, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71069 PMCID: PMC12682928

3. The Effects of Neurofeedback on Executive Functioning in Children With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis — Louthrenoo O, Boonchooduang N, Likhitweerawong N (2022, Journal of attention disorders, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1177/10870547211045738

4. Non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive difficulties in ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis — Lambez B, Harwood-Gross A, Golumbic EZ (2020, Journal of psychiatric research, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.10.007

5. The Effect of Mobile Neurofeedback Training in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Kwon SY, Seo G, Jang M (2024, Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology, rct)

   DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1054 PMCID: PMC10811401

6. SMR/Theta Neurofeedback Training on Attention and Reading Abilities in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Predominantly Inattentive — Mirarab M, Hasan Nia Roshan J, Atabaki R (2025, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, other)

   DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09754-6

7. Effects of Twenty Hours of Neurofeedback-Based Neuropsychotherapy on the Executive Functions and Achievements among ADHD Children — Liao YC, Guo NW, Su BY (2022, Clinical EEG and neuroscience, other)

   DOI: 10.1177/15500594221101693