Comparative efficacy of targeted structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback in children with inattentive or combined attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effects of three courses of different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback on predominantly inattentive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD‐PI) and combined ADHD (ADHD‐CT). METHODS: Thirty‐eight ADHD‐PI and ADHD‐CT children were selected and completed three courses of different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback according to their ADHD type. Before and after each course, relative power value of electroencephalography, including θ, β, α, SMR and their ratios (θ/β, θ/α), and eighteen integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA/CPT) quotients were obtained and compared. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, and p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After one course, θ, three IVA/CPT quotients in both types and two comprehensive quotients in ADHD‐CT changed significantly (all p < .05). After two courses, θ/α, θ/β and five IVA/CPT quotients in both types, θ and α in ADHD‐PI, four comprehensive quotients, and four respond control quotients in ADHD‐CT varied significantly compared to before treatment and after one course (all p < .05). After three courses, α, β, θ, θ/α, θ/β and ten IVA/CPT quotients in both types changed significantly compared to before treatment and after one course (all p < .05). In addition, six IVA/CPT quotients in both types after three courses were significantly higher than those after two courses (all p < .05). CONCLUSION: Different structural patterns of electroencephalography neurofeedback targeted for ADHD‐CT and ADHD‐PI were both effective and feasible. Three courses of EEG neurofeedback were most effective.