Neurofeedback and Working Memory Training for Children and Adolescents With ADHD (KITE)

Does Neurofeedback and Working Memory Training Improve Core Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adolescents? A Comparative, Randomized and Controlled Study.

Region Stockholm, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm, Stiftelsen Sunnerdahls Handikappfond, Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research

The purpose of this study is to investigate if neurofeedback and working memory training improves core symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents.

This study investigates two types of Neurofeedback (NF), one well-established and well-researched protocol called Slow Cortical Potential NF (SCP), and a newer and less researched, yet popular among private clinicians, the so-called live z-score training (LZT). These methods are compared to working memory training (WMT) and a passive control condition, treatment-as-usual only (TAU). The active conditions (SCP/LZT/WMT) are delivered high frequent, with 5 sessions/week, for a total of 25 sessions. Outcomes measures are taken at Preintervention and Postintervention, as well as at a 6-month follow-up assessment.

Self-, parents- and teachers report. Outcome measures will be conducted before and after five weeks training, and at 6 months follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria: Clinical AD/HD diagnose according to DSM-IV-TR and K-SADS interview, 9-17 years old, unmedicated or under stable medication with stimulants or corresponding since at least one month. Exclusion Criteria: IQ <70 (WISC-IV or WAIS-IV), clinically instable psychiatric state e.g. severe depression, OCD, self-injurious behaviour, bipolar disorder, severe somatic (neurologic) disease, very limited knowledge in the Swedish language.