Study of neurofeedback as clinical treatment for children with ADHD to begin in Asheville

Press release from UNC Asheville:

Asheville will be one of two sites for a new clinical study, funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), examining the efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This five-year study, a collaboration between UNC Asheville and The Ohio State University, is the largest of its kind funded by the NIMH, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Roger deBeus, Ph.D., UNC Asheville visiting research professor in psychology and a licensed psychologist practicing downtown, is principal investigator for the Asheville site in this new study. He has conducted previous studies including one of the first double-blind placebo-controlled neurofeedback studies of children with ADHD.

Neurofeedback involves training in the control of brain waves. If proven effective, neurofeedback could provide a therapy for ADHD that complements approved medications, or it could provide an alternative non-medicinal treatment.

During neurofeedback training in this study, sensors are placed on the head (one sensor on the scalp and one on each ear) that can detect electrical activity in the brain and display it on a monitor. Children involved in the study will be able to see and hear representations of high-speed brainwaves, associated with thinking and attention, and also slower waves, which are associated with non-attention. With coaching and the feedback from computer monitoring, it is possible to learn to gain some control over one’s brain waves in a way that may decrease ADHD symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty concentrating, disorganization, distractibility, forgetting, and trouble completing tasks on time.

While past studies have shown that neurofeedback may have promise as an ADHD treatment, questions have been raised about study design and whether a sufficient number of subjects were involved. “This new study was designed by a team of ADHD clinical trial and neurofeedback experts,” said deBeus. “Our hope is that it will prove acceptable to both sides in the debate over neurofeedback efficacy.”

This study will involve children ages 7-10 who have symptoms of ADHD. Prior diagnosis is not necessary, nor is a referral from a health care provider. The study will involve children who are being treated with medications as well as children who do not take medication for ADHD.

Qualified study participants receive free evaluation and treatment, and some reimbursement for time and travel. Risks will be explained before agreeing to participate. Evaluations and treatment will be performed by deBeus and his research team, and will take place at the offices of Advanced Psychological Services, 14 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville.