RECENT RESEARCH
suggested the need for more traditional Chinese medicine pattern diagnostic sessions, real-time supervision methods, and extended follow-up to better observe long-term effects.
Conclusions: Parent-administered pediatric tuina was perceived to improve children ' s sleep quality and appetite significantly, along with other aspects of well-being. Professional guidance and a structured training program facilitated implementation, and challenges highlighted the need for more frequent diagnostic sessions, real-time supervision, and extended follow-up.
Mindfulness and neurofeedback
Kim HH, Jung NH. Mindfulness-based interventions for adults with ADHD: A systematic review and metaanalysis. Medicine( Baltimore). 2025 Sep 12; 104( 37): e44308. doi: 10.1097 / MD. 0000000000044308. PMID: 40958241; PMCID: PMC12440486.
Background: Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder( ADHD) frequently persists into adulthood and is associated with impairments in attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and quality of life. Although mindfulnessbased interventions( MBIs) have been proposed as promising nonpharmacological treatments, the evidence regarding their efficacy in adults with ADHD remains inconsistent.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the MEDLine, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases to identify controlled trials published up to 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of MBIs in adults with ADHD using a control group, regardless of randomization. Only studies in which mindfulness was the primary therapeutic modality were included, even if limited psychoeducational or behavioral components were present. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were categorized into 6 domains: selfreported and observer-rated ADHD symptoms, negative and positive affect, mindfulness skills, and functional outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences( SMDs) or mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals( CIs). Risk of bias and publication bias were assessed using Cochrane tools and funnel plots, respectively.
Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in selfreported ADHD symptoms( SMD = 0.48, 95 % CI [ 0.19, 0.76 ]), observerrated ADHD symptoms( SMD = 0.32, 95 % CI [ 0.09, 0.56 ]), and functional outcomes( SMD = 0.56, 95 % CI [ 0.22, 0.90 ]). However, there were no significant effects on mindfulness skills( SMD =-0.20, 95 % CI [-0.47, 0.08 ]), negative affect( SMD = 0.31, 95 % CI [-0.06, 0.67 ]), or positive affect( SMD =-0.21, 95 % CI [-0.58, 0.16 ]).
Conclusion: MBIs may be effective in improving core ADHD symptoms and overall functioning in adults with ADHD. However, their effects on emotional well-being and mindfulness skills remain inconclusive. These findings support the utility of MBIs as complementary interventions for ADHD while highlighting the need for further high-quality studies to clarify their long-term effects and mechanisms of action.
Zhong X, Yuan X, Dai Y, Zhang X, Jiang C. Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 1; 15( 1): 28148. doi: 10.1038 / s41598-025-94242- 4. PMID: 40750997; PMCID: PMC12316938.
Executive function deficits are commonly observed in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder( ADHD). This research investigates the effectiveness of neurofeedback training( NFT) in improving executive functions among this group. Studies were meticulously selected following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of these studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seventeen RCT studies were identified, totaling 939 participants. We observed significant improvements in global executive function( p < 0.055), inhibitory control( p < 0.0001) and working memory( p < 0.05) following NFT. Notably, NFT exceeding 1,260 min was more effective in enhancing inhibitory control( p < 0.01) and working memory( p < 0.01). Additionally, the effects of NFT on inhibitory control( p = 0.05) and working memory( p < 0.01) were found to be enduring. NFT is an effective intervention for improving inhibitory control and working memory in children with ADHD. Working memory exhibits a more significant enhancement when the duration exceeds 1260 min, while inhibitory control follows closely behind. Moreover, it has a more sustained effect on working memory, alongside a notable albeit secondary effect on inhibitory control.
Westwood SJ, Aggensteiner PM, Kaiser A, Nagy P, Donno F, Merkl D, Balia C, Goujon A, Bousquet E, Capodiferro AM, Derks L, Purper- Ouakil D, Carucci S, Holtmann M, Brandeis D, Cortese S, Sonuga-Barke EJS; European ADHD Guidelines Group( EAGG). Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 1; 82( 2): 118-129. doi: 10.1001 / jamapsychiatry. 2024.3702. PMID: 39661381; PMCID: PMC11800020.
Importance: Neurofeedback has been proposed for the treatment of attentiondeficit / hyperactivity disorder( ADHD) but the efficacy of this intervention remains unclear.
Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials( RCTs) using probably blinded( ie, rated by individuals probably or certainly unaware of treatment allocation) or neuropsychological outcomes to test the efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD in terms of core symptom reduction and improved neuropsychological outcomes.
Data sources: PubMed( MEDLINE),
244 | vol31 | no4 | AJNM