Dashbozorgi Z, Ghaffari A, Karamali Esmaili S, Ashoori J, Moradi A, Sarvghadi P. Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Aggression and Impulsivity in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. BCN 2021; 12 (5) :693-702
URL:
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1695-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
2- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University.
4- Orthopedic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: Aggression and impulsivity are some of the behavioral symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback (NF) training has been suggested as a promising treatment in these children. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NF training on aggression and impulsivity in schoolchildren with ADHD.
Methods: A total of 40 male elementary school children with ADHD (aged 11.17±0.97 years) were randomized into the NF and sham groups. The NF group received 12 NF training sessions, each taking about 60 minutes for six consecutive weeks (twice a week), based on the Hammond protocol. The subjects’ parents were questioned to evaluate the outcomes, including aggression and impulsivity, using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS).
Results: After the intervention, in the NF group, the BPAQ score changed from 87.60±9.33 to 81±7.23 and the BIS score from 94.7±7.25 to 88.05±5.4, which were significant (P=0.001). The results indicated the large effect size of NF on aggression and impulsivity in ADHD.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest NF training as a clinically applicable method for decreasing aggression and impulsivity, also support concurrent use of medication and NF training in children with ADHD.
Full-Text [PDF 873 kb]
| |
Full-Text (HTML)
● Neurofeedback can be a useful method to reduce aggression and impulsivity in ADHD.
● Theta suppression and beta enhancement of brain waves normalize the behavioral symptoms.
● Concomitant use of methylphenidate with neurofeedback results in faster behavioral improvements.
Plain Language Summary
Neurofeedback is how the brain trains itself by knowing the state of its waves. The brain controls and regulates environmental stimuli based on feedback from its waves. The use of neurofeedback in ADHD is widespread nowadays. Studies have shown a definite effect of neurofeedback on inattention, but there are questions about the impact of this method on other symptoms of the disorder. Children with ADHD usually do not think of the negative, destructive or dangerous consequences of their behaviors, and behaviors are seen as impulsive and aggressive. The present study's findings indicated that this training could help reduce aggression and impulsivity in these children. We concluded that this effect would increase if the medication is taken simultaneously as training. This study was conducted on boys since attention to impulsive and aggressive behaviors is more critical in boys than girls with ADHD. Still, the results can also be generalized to girls. Therefore, parents of children with ADHD can choose neurofeedback training as a therapeutic method to help their children. Since our study did not have a follow-up, the number of sessions should be carefully selected and may require more sessions to sustain changes.
Type of Study:
Original |
Subject:
Behavioral Neuroscience Received: 2020/01/30 | Accepted: 2021/01/6 | Published: 2021/09/1