Training of slow cortical potentials in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence for positive behavioral and neurophysiological effects.
BACKGROUND
Learned self-control of slow cortical potentials (SCPs) may lead to behavioral improvement in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hence, training effects should also be reflected at the neurophysiological level.


METHODS
Thirteen children with ADHD, aged 7-13 years, performed 25 SCP training sessions within 3 weeks. Before and after training, the German ADHD rating scale was completed by parents, and event-related potentials were recorded in a cued continuous performance test (CPT). For a waiting-list group of nine children with ADHD, the same testing was applied.


RESULTS
ADHD symptomatology was reduced by approximately 25% after SCP training. Moreover, a decrease of impulsivity errors and an increase of the contingent negative variation were observed in the CPT task.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides first evidence for both positive behavioral and specific neurophysiological effects of SCP training in children with ADHD.
Heinrich
Hartmut
H
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Gevensleben
Holger
H
Freisleder
Franz Joseph
FJ
Moll
Gunther H
GH
Rothenberger
Aribert
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003265:Contingent Negative Variation / Q000502:physiology; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D014163:Transfer, Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome