RECENT RESEARCH
Ovid( PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase + Embase Classic), and Web of Science, as well as the reference lists of eligible records and relevant systematic reviews, were searched until July 25, 2023, with no language limits.
Study selection: Parallel-arm RCTs investigating neurofeedback in participants of any age with a clinical ADHD or hyperkinetic syndrome diagnosis were included.
Data extraction and synthesis: Standardized mean differences( SMDs) with Hedges g correction were pooled in random effects meta-analyses for all eligible outcomes.
Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was ADHD total symptom severity assessed at the first postintervention time point, focusing on reports by individuals judged probably or certainly unaware of treatment allocation( probably blinded). Secondary outcomes were inattention and / or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and neuropsychological outcomes postintervention and at a longer-term follow-up( ie, after the last follow-up time point). RCTs were assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2.0.
Results: A total of 38 RCTs( 2472 participants aged 5 to 40 years) were included. Probably blinded reports of ADHD total symptoms showed no significant improvement with neurofeedback( k = 20; n = 1214; SMD, 0.04; 95 % CI,-0.10 to 0.18). A small significant improvement was seen when analyses were restricted to RCTs using established standard protocols( k = 9; n = 681; SMD, 0.21; 95 % CI, 0.02 to 0.40). Results remained similar with adults excluded or when analyses were restricted to RCTs where cortical learning or selfregulation was established. Of the 5 neuropsychological outcomes analyzed, a significant but small improvement was observed only for processing speed( k = 15; n = 909; SMD, 0.35; 95 % CI, 0.01 to 0.69). Heterogeneity was generally low to moderate.
Conclusions and relevance: Overall, neurofeedback did not appear to meaningfully benefit individuals with ADHD, clinically or neuropsychologically, at the group level. Future studies seeking to identify individuals with ADHD who may benefit from neurofeedback could focus on using standard neurofeedback protocols, measuring processing speed, and leveraging advances in precision medicine, including neuroimaging technology.
Kopańska M, Trojniak J. From Aberrant Brainwaves to Altered Plasticity: A Review of QEEG Biomarkers and Neurofeedback in the Neurobiological Landscape of ADHD. Cells. 2025 Aug 29; 14( 17): 1339. doi: 10.3390 / cells14171339. PMID: 40940749; PMCID: PMC12428149.
This critical review synthesizes findings from quantitative electroencephalography( QEEG) to bridge the gap between systems-level neurophysiology and the underlying cellular pathology of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder( ADHD). As a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD diagnosis is challenged by symptomatic heterogeneity, creating an urgent need for objective biological indicators. Analysis of QEEG data reveals consistent neurophysiological patterns in ADHD, primarily an excess of Theta-band activity and a deficit in Beta-band activity. These findings have led to the proposal of specific biomarkers, such as the Theta / Beta Ratio( TBR), and serve as the basis for neurofeedback interventions aimed at modulating brainwave activity. While not a standalone diagnostic tool, this review posits that QEEG-based biomarkers and Neurofeedback responses are systemslevel manifestations of putative cellular and synaptic dysfunctions. By outlining these robust macro-scale patterns, this work provides a conceptual framework intended to guide future molecular and cellular research into the fundamental biology of ADHD.
Music therapy
Situmorang DDB. Enhancing music therapy for developmental psychopathology: The role of technology in advancing therapeutic outcomes. Psychiatry Res. 2025 Jul; 349:116511. doi: 10.1016 / j. psychres. 2025.116511. Epub 2025 Apr 24. PMID: 40328098.
Music therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable intervention for individuals with developmental psychopathology. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of music therapy and explore the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes through technological advancements such as virtual reality( VR), interactive music applications, and telehealth. A total of 67 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews( PRISMA-ScR) method to assess the effect of music therapy on emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive development in individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder( ASD) and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder( ADHD). Meta-analytical evidence showed that music therapy produced moderate-to-large effect sizes in improving psychological and social functioning. The integration of digital tools in music therapy presented new opportunities for accessibility and engagement, although challenges including cost, ethical considerations, and the need for standardized protocols remained. This review found study gaps and offered recommendations for future investigations on optimizing technology-enhanced music therapy intervention.
Luo Z, Zhang DW. Rhythms of relief: perspectives on neurocognitive mechanisms of music interventions in ADHD. Front Psychol. 2025 Mar 3; 16:1476928. doi: 10.3389 / fpsyg. 2025.1476928. PMID: 40099022; PMCID: PMC11911488.
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder( ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder
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