Mental Health in School

Mental Health in School

The effect of neurofeedback on improving executive and academic performance in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities: A review study

Document Type : Review

Authors
Javad Sadeghiahooei 1
mina hajimousaie 2
vahid banisi 3, 4, 5
1 mera PhD student in pure psychology, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas branch, Bandar Abbas, Iran
2 Master's student in personality psychology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Center, Tehran, Iran
3 6th grade elementary teacher, education
4 PhD in educational management, Isfahan Islamic Azad University (Khorasgan), Isfahan, Iran
5 PhD in Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch, Bandar Abbas, Iran
10.22034/jmhs.2024.485167.1113
Abstract
This systematic review study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of neurofeedback on improving executive and academic performance in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders. Learning disorders are one of the important challenges in the educational system and mental health of adolescents. This article examines the combined effect of neurofeedback and healthy lifestyle on improving learning disorders and cognitive performance in adolescents. By reviewing valid scientific articles, it is shown that neurofeedback as a non-invasive method can help regulate brain activities, and besides that, a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help improve the cognitive status and learning of adolescents. The results of this review show that the combination of these two approaches can have positive effects on the cognitive performance and learning of adolescents. The results showed that neurofeedback can significantly improve sustained attention, response inhibition and planning in children with ADHD. Also, combining neurofeedback with cognitive-behavioral therapies can be effective in improving reading and math problem solving skills in children with learning disorders. However, further studies with stronger designs and larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Keywords
Neurofeedback - Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorde
Learning Disorder
Executive and Academic Functions

Subjects

Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. M. (2014). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: The effects on inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity: A meta-analysis. Biological Psychology, 95(3), 134-145.
Arns, M., Heinrich, H., Strehl, U., Breuer, J., Weber, B., Flor, H., ... & Kühn, K. (2012). Neurofeedback for ADHD: A meta-analysis. Clinical EEG and neuroscience, 43(4), 283-294.
Goertz, C.M., Arendt, M., & Klinger, J. (2014). Neurofeedback for the treatment of migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical EEG and neuroscience, 45(3), 167-175.
Hengameh, S., & Khosravi, M. (2021). The effectiveness of neurofeedback training on attention and academic performance in children with ADHD: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 147(5), 451-466.
Hengameh, S., & Mohammadi, M. (2020). Efficacy of neurofeedback in the treatment of ADHD symptoms: A systematic review. Neuroscience Letters, 703, 134-139.
Hengameh, S., Shahrivar, Z., & Aliabadi, S. (2020). Neurofeedback training in children with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 24(14), 1967-1978.
Johnson, A.C., & Barry, R.J. (2020). Neurofeedback for ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Neurophysiology, 131(1), 1-17.
Kober, S., & Neuper, C. (2020). Neurofeedback and learning disabilities: Effects on academic performance and attention regulation. Educational Psychology Review, 32(2), 345-367.
Rojas, R., Atoji, K., & Shimizu, Y. (2016). Neurofeedback for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Headache, 56(2), 293-304.
Rossiter, E. S., Sonuga-Barke, E. J., & Thompson, M. (2017). Neurofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 55, 1-18.
Sadeghi, M., Mohammadi, M., & Ghasemi, M. (2019). The effect of neurofeedback training on academic performance in children with learning disabilities. International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 7(1), 23-30.
Smith, M. E., Thompson, M. M., & Boot, W. R. (2018). Neurofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis. Clinical Neurophysiology, 129(1), 1-14.