4 research outputs found
Offering Neurofeedback as an Intervention for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Indonesia: A Feasibility Study
Offering Neurofeedback as an Intervention for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Indonesia: A Feasibility Study
BACKGROUND: EEG Neurofeedback training is an accepted non-pharmacological therapy for
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although stimulant medication is known to decrease
ADHD symptoms, possible adverse effects, concerns about prolonged drug use on neural development, and
problems related to the compliance with the medications are often reported. In Indonesia, research on the
feasibility of EEG Neurofeedback to treat ADHD is still lacking. The current study aimed to investigate
whether setting up an EEG neurofeedback training program for children with ADHD would be feasible in
Indonesia. METHODS: Nine children (aged 6-12 years) participated in the study. ADHD was diagnosed
using the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS). Children received twenty-five sessions of
sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training twice a week. Each session consisted of a 3-minute
baseline, followed by 5*3 minutes of training. IQ scores and VADRS scores were collected at baseline, after
completion of the intervention, and at 3 months follow-up, while school reports were provided by the schools.
The EEG spectral content was determined for all 25 training sessions. In addition, a Go/No-Go Task, was
administered at the first 5 training sessions, and at session 10, 15, 20 and 25. RESULTS AND
CONCLUSION: An overview of all the collected data is provided descriptively, given the small group size.
One child dropped-out during the training because of parental request, but the remaining eight children
completed the full intervention program. Descriptive data suggested improvement with respect to both the
ADHD symptomatology and performance IQ. These findings are in line with previous studies. Although a
control arm was not included, we propose that the abovementioned SMR neurofeedback protocol may still
be offered as a suitable non-pharmacological intervention for children with ADHD in Indonesia and
deserves further research