Advantages of EEG biofeedback for ADHD

  ADHD is a common behavioral disorder in childhood, especially in school age, and is a syndrome caused by a combination of psychological and social factors, with a prevalence of about 3% to 10% in school age, and an increasing trend year by year.  Although treatment with central stimulants can effectively improve behavioral symptoms and some of the cognitive deficits, the side effects and potential cognitive toxicity of the drugs have caused some parents to have concerns about the use of medication.  EEG biofeedback therapy is the application of the principle of operant conditioning, using the EEG biofeedback instrument as a means to achieve the desired goal by training the brain waves in the selective reinforcement beta band (i.e., fast band). EEG studies have found that brain waves of 16-120 Hz suppress motor activity, while theta waves of 4-8 Hz are associated with daydreaming and sleepiness; children with ADHD tend to have increased theta waves and decreased fast waves of 16-20 Hz. During the training process, the current state of consciousness is judged according to the changes of EEG signals of the trainees, and the judgment results are fed back to the trainees, and the trainees are informed of their EEG changes and training status through sound and picture changes, and the EEG waveforms are changed after a period of self-regulation, so as to attract the attention of the children, improve their attention and regulate the brain state. With the improvement of brain function, attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are improved.  Compared with drug treatment, it has the advantages of non-invasive and non-toxic side effects. Some studies have shown that the efficacy of treating ADHD with EEG biofeedback 20-40 times is equivalent to oral methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets.