Neurofeedback and Computerized Cognitive Training in Different Settings for Children and Adolescents With ADHD

University of Zurich (UZH)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Treatments: Behavioral: Computerized cognitive training; Behavioral: Neurofeedback training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02358941

SNF: 320030_149411/1

Details and patient eligibility

About

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common childhood-onset psychiatric disorders, with a negative and long-lasting impact on academic achievement, social integration and quality of life. In recent years, the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD, such as neurofeedback training (NF) and computerized cognitive training (CCT), has been at the centre of research. Although an increasing number of well-designed studies have shown that both methods may improve ADHD core symptoms according to parents' ratings, the underlying mechanisms are still a matter of debate. Teachers often report smaller improvements, if any. This has been explained by their lesser involvement in the training. It remains questionable, however, whether other factors may also account for this effect and whether methods other than placebo control may be applied in order to demonstrate the specificity and efficacy of NF and CCT.

The main purpose of this project is to demonstrate and compare the efficacy of two different computer-based treatment methods for children and adolescents with ADHD, namely NF and CCT, and to examine the impact of different treatment settings, with half of the participants being trained in a clinical setting and the other half at school. The investigators want to show that is feasible to implement NF and CCT in a school setting and that both methods, conducted either at school or in a clinical setting, may lead to significant improvements of ADHD symptoms as well as to specific and differential effects. Besides the differential impact of the settings on informant ratings, the investigators will evaluate the effects of the training methods on neuropsychological and electrophysiological outcome. Classroom behavior of the children before and after the training will be evaluated by trained observers not informed on treatment assignments and settings.

Enrollment: 102 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 8 to 16 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• ADHD (DSM IV)

Exclusion criteria

• Estimated IQ < 80
• Known neurological impairment / brain injury
• Severe comorbid conditions (e.g. CD, ODD, autism)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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102 participants in 2 patient groups

Training in a school setting

Experimental group

Description:

A minimum of 30 sessions (45 min.) over at least 12 weeks in the schools of the participants. Half of the children will be assigned to NF training, the other half to CCT.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Neurofeedback training

Behavioral: Computerized cognitive training

Training in a clinical setting

Experimental group

Description:

A minimum of 30 sessions (45 min.) over approx. 12 weeks at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (treatment as usual). Half of the children will be assigned to NF training, the other half to CCT.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Neurofeedback training

Behavioral: Computerized cognitive training