Hanna Christiansen
Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Neurochem Neuropharm
Introduction & Objectives: Behavior therapy is a treatment alternative for children with ADHD, and Neuro-Feedback (NF) is a specific one that combines behavioral and neurocognitive elements with good effects, and supposedly without side effects. To date, there is no study on ADHD treatment with NF in a naturalistic outpatient setting. Methods: Based on a power-analysis, a total of 92 children aged 7-11 will be randomized to either NF or Self-Management treatment (SM), stratified for gender and stimulant medication. Children will recieve 36 high-frequent training sessions in 12 weeks with 6 sessions reserved for comorbid problems. Post treatment assessments are scheduled after 36 treatment sessions, as well as 6 and 12 months after treatment termination. Primary endpoints are the Conners 3rd rating scales for parents and teachers, and the Quantified Behavior Test (Qb-Test) that objectively assesses the three ADHD core symptoms inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Results: So far, N=42 children (n=20 NF, n=22 SM) participated in the study with data available. After 36 treatment sessions, children in both groups showed significant and overall large improvements on all Conners parent rating scales and on the majority of teacher rating scales, including academic achievement. Large and significant improvements were also obtained on Qb-test variables. Analysis of 6 months follow-up data demonstrates stability of effects over time. There are no significant differences between groups, yet. Treatment and assessment continues and results from a larger data base will be presented. Discussion: Behavioral treatment in a high frequent naturalistic outpatient setting seems to be very effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but possible long-term effects and group differences still need to be established.
