Neurofeedback for ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that neurofeedback for ADHD shows mixed results, with some studies indicating potential benefits for attention and executive functions, while others highlight limitations and the need for more robust evidence. It’s important to remember that the effectiveness can vary, and it's not always a standalone solution.

Key findings

• Some research suggests neurofeedback might help improve attention and executive functions in children and adolescents with ADHD.
• Neurofeedback may be a promising intervention for ADHD, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand its full potential.
• The evidence supporting neurofeedback for ADHD is not as strong or consistent as for other established treatments.
• When considering non-pharmacological treatments, it's important to understand that the evidence for neurofeedback is still developing, and it may not be effective for everyone.

Studies cited (8)

1. Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Westwood SJ, Aggensteiner PM, Kaiser A (2025, JAMA psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3702 PMCID: PMC11800020

2. Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on executive functions in children and adolescents with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis — Qiu H, Liang X, Wang P (2023, Asian journal of psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103692

3. Treatments for ADHD in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review — Peterson BS, Trampush J, Maglione M (2024, Pediatrics, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-065787

4. Results of Neurofeedback in Treatment of Children with ADHD: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials — Moreno-García I, Cano-Crespo A, Rivera F (2022, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1007/s10484-022-09547-1

5. The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials — Catalá-López F, Hutton B, Núñez-Beltrán A (2017, PloS one, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180355 PMCID: PMC5507500

6. Nonpharmacological interventions for ADHD: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of dietary and psychological treatments — Sonuga-Barke EJ, Brandeis D, Cortese S (2013, The American journal of psychiatry, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12070991

7. Neurotherapeutics for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Review — Rubia K, Westwood S, Aggensteiner PM (2021, Cells, review)

   DOI: 10.3390/cells10082156 PMCID: PMC8394071

8. Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice — Enriquez-Geppert S, Smit D, Pimenta MG (2019, Current psychiatry reports, other)

   DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1021-4 PMCID: PMC6538574