Development of Decision Support System to Predict Neurofeedback Response in ADHD: an Artificial Neural Network Approach

INTRODUCTION: Clinical decision support system (CDSS) is an analytical tool that converts raw data into useful information to help clinicians make better decisions for patients. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of neurofeedback (NF), in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by the development of CDSS based on artificial neural network (ANN). METHODS: This study analyzed 122 patients with ADHD who underwent NF in the Parand-Human Potential Empowerment Institute in Tehran. The patients were divided into two groups according to the effects of NF: effective and non-effective groups. The patients’ record information was mined by data mining techniques to identify effective features. Based on unsaturated condition of data and imbalanced classes between the patient groups (patients with successful NF response and those without it), the SMOTE technique was applied on dataset. Using MATLAB 2014a, a modular program was designed to test both multiple architectures of neural networks and their performance. Selected architecture of the neural networks was then applied in the procedure. RESULTS: Eleven features from 28 features of the initial dataset were selected as effective features. Using the SMOTE technique, number of the samples rose to around 300 samples. Based on the multiple neural networks architecture testing, a network by 11-20-16-2 neurons was selected (specify>00.91%, sensivity=100%) and applied in the software. CONCLUSION: The ANN used in this study has led to good results in sensivity, specificity, and AUC. The ANN and other intelligent techniques can be used as supportive tools for decision making by healthcare providers.