Efficacy of Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD

Since 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics elevated neurofeedback treatment for ADHD to a “Level 1 - Best Support” intervention for the disorder. This acknowledgement was made after a review of the literature that had been conducted to date - an area of research that has expanded significantly since then. Research has continued to demonstrate a robust clinical benefit, particularly in the areas of improving focus and impulse control. A recent meta analysis of the literature concluded that neurofeedback demonstrated “significant efficacy” in treating ADHD, with remission rates of 32-47%. These positive effects were also demonstrated to remain through the post-treatment assessment periods, which ranged from 6-12 months (Arns et al., 2020). In fact, the research for the last 40 years has consistently demonstrated the efficacy and safety of utilizing neurofeedback to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

As research in this area has continued to expand, the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research has compiled a bibliography of research studies conducted for a variety of conditions. To access the bibliography of these studies, click the below link:

Arns, M., Clark, C.R., Trullinger, M. et al. Neurofeedback and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Rating the Evidence and Proposed Guidelines. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 45, 39–48 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-020-09455-2