Neurofeedback has proved to be effective in treating Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in experimental settings. This study investigates whether neurofeedback can be used as a therapeutic intervention in regular outpatient care. The investigators compare high frequent neurofeedback with high frequent self-management therapy and suppose that both result in comparable effects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
Philipps-University Marburg, Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Marburg, Hesse, Germany
RECRUITINGCore ADHD symptoms (inattention/hyperactivity/impulsivity) objectively assessed with the computer based Qb-Test (go-no-go-task with infrared camera)
Children perform the Qb-Test: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change for core symptoms from baseline to after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Conners Psychopathology Scores
Conners parents \& teacher rating scales: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to psychopathology scores after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Social Support
Children's social support scale: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to social support scores after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Self-Concept
Children's self-concept interview: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to self-concept scores after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Perceived Criticism
Assessment of children's perceived criticism: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to perceived criticism scores after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Parental Stress (ESF)
Parent Stress Questionnaire: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to parental stress scores after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months
Cortisol
Assessed with hair-samples: * T1 baseline diagnostic before therapy, 1 week * T2 post assessment after 36 therapy sessions, expected average of 12 weeks * T3 catamnestic measurement 6 months after T2 * T4 catamnestic measurement 12 months after T2
Time frame: Pre-Post-Change-Design; change from baseline to cortisol levels after 12 weeks, 6 and 12 month
Blood/saliva samples for possible genetic correlates of therapy response
Either saliva sampling or blood samples for genotyping of ADHD candidate genes to establish possible correlates of therapy response
Time frame: End of therapy after 36 sessions