Effects of EEG- Microstate Neurofeedback on Attention and Impulsivity in Adult Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Neurotypical Controls
EEG neurofeedback (NFB) may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for ADHD, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by attentional deficits and high impulsivity. Recent research of the Geneva group has demonstrated the ability of ADHD patients to control specific features of their EEG (notably alpha desynchronization) and that this control was associated with reduced impulsivity. In addition, alterations in EEG brain microstates (i.e., recurrent stable periods of short duration) have been described in adult ADHD patients, potentially representing a biomarker of the disorder. The present study aims to use neurofeedback to manipulate EEG microstates in ADHD patients and healthy controls, in order to observe the effects on neurophysiological, clinical and behavioural parameters.
⁃ ADHD POPULATION GROUP
⁃ A subject will be eligible if all the following criteria apply:
• Age: between 18-50 years
• Gender: male and female
• Health: general good health and normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity
• Patients clinically able to stop the following psychotropic medications for 48h: psychostimulants, benzodiazepines
• Having provided written informed written consent
⁃ A subject will not be eligible if any of the following criteria apply:
• Past or current history of a clinically significant central nervous system disorder, including structural brain abnormalities; cerebrovascular disease; history of other neurological disease, epilepsy, stroke or head trauma (defined as loss of consciousness \> 5 min or requiring hospitalization)
• Impaired vision (normal or corrected acuity below 20/40)
• Medical illness (e.g., cardiovascular disease, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction)
• Comorbidities with current psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder) including substance use disorder as defined by the DIGS.
⁃ HEALTHY POPULATION GROUP
⁃ A subject will be eligible if all of the following criteria apply:
• Age: between 18-50 years
• Gender: male and female
• Health: general good health and normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity
• Having provided written informed written consent
⁃ A subject will not be eligible if any of the following criteria apply:
• Past or current history of ADHD
• Past or current history of main psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder), including substance use disorder as defined by the DIGS.
• Past or current history of a clinically significant central nervous system disorder, including structural brain abnormalities; cerebrovascular disease; history of other neurological disease, including epilepsy, stroke or head trauma (defined as loss of consciousness \> 5 min or requiring hospitalization)
• Impaired vision (normal or corrected acuity below 20/40)
• Medical illness (e.g., cardiovascular disease, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction)