Introduction
Method
The design of the study consisted of a diagnostic workup, 40 sessions, and pre-, mid-, and post-assessments. The diagnostic workup consisted of a structured clinical interview with the parent(s), and IQ, achievement, continuous performance test (CPT), and quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) with each child (all the children were tested medication-free with a 48-hour washout period). Each child was required to have ADHD as the primary diagnosis, IQ greater than 80, if on medication only taking psycho stimulants, and no history of head njuries, seizures, or other serious mental disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety).
During the sessions each child played Sony PlayStation games with an active sensor placed at FZ. In order to ensure that each child received treatment, a crossover occurred after 20 sessions. The children were randomized into two groups. Group One received 20 sessions of brainwave-modulated Sony PlayStation videogames and then received 20 sessions with the videogames while brainwave activity was monitored. Group Two received treatment in the opposite order.
Pre-testing occurred before sessions began and consisted of parent, teacher, and self-report rating scales. Midpoint- testing occurred at the crossover point and consisted of the previous rating scales, CPT, and QEEG with each child.
Post-testing occurred after the 40 sessions were completed. Parents and teachers completed rating scales while the children were re-administered the intake procedure.
Results
Forty-four children (28 males and 16 females) seven to 11-years-old (average age 9.2) in grades two through five have participated. Half of the children were medicated on a psycho stimulant only. Each child had a primary diagnosis of ADHD (25 primarily Inattentive; four primarily Hyperactive; and 15 Combined). Average IQ was 104 (range = 80 to 132).
Conclusion
This study will not only look at the efficacy of a placebo-controlled design, it will address how medication, diagnosis (diagnoses), and other variables affect outcomes with EEG biofeedback. This study will also examine how children learn to perform this training using growth-curve modeling.
References
Baydala, L., & Wikman, E. (2001). The efficacy of neurofeedback in the management of children with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. Paediatric Child Health, 6 (7), 451-455.
Lubar, J. F., Swartwood, M. O., Swartwood, J. N., & O'Donnell, P. H. (1995). Evaluation of the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for ADHD in a clinical setting as measured by changes in T.O.V.A. scores, behavioural ratings, and WISCR performance. Biofeedback and Self
Regulation, 20, 83-99. Monastra, V. J., Monastra, D. M., & George, S. (2002). The effects of stimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27 (4), 231-249.