The present study is a randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the efficacy of
Neurofeedback compared to standard pharmacological intervention in the treatment of
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD). The final sample consisted of 23 children with
ADHD (11 boys and 12 girls, 7-14 years old). Participants carried out 40 theta/beta training sessions or received
methylphenidate. Behavioral rating scales were completed by fathers, mothers, and teachers at pre-, post-treatment, two-, and six-month naturalistic follow-up. In both groups, similar significant reductions were reported in
ADHD functional impairment by parents; and in primary
ADHD symptoms by parents and teachers. However, significant academic performance improvements were only detected in the
Neurofeedback group. Our findings provide new evidence for the efficacy of
Neurofeedback, and contribute to enlarge the range of non-pharmacological
ADHD intervention choices. To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial with a six-month follow-up that compares
Neurofeedback and stimulant medication in
ADHD.