title: A brain-computer interface based attention training program for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can be difficult to treat. We previously reported that a 20-session brain-computer interface (BCI) attention training programme improved ADHD symptoms. Here, we investigated a new more intensive BCI-based attention training game system on 20 unmedicated ADHD children (16 males, 4 females) with significant inattentive symptoms (combined and inattentive ADHD subtypes). This new system monitored attention through a head band with dry EEG sensors, which was used to drive a feed forward game. The system was calibrated for each user by measuring the EEG parameters during a Stroop task. Treatment consisted of an 8-week training comprising 24 sessions followed by 3 once-monthly booster training sessions. Following intervention, both parent-rated inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale showed significant improvement. At week 8, the mean improvement was -4.6 (5.9) and -4.7 (5.6) respectively for inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (both p<0.01). Cohen's d effect size for inattentive symptoms was large at 0.78 at week 8 and 0.84 at week 24 (post-boosters). Further analysis showed that the change in the EEG based BCI ADHD severity measure correlated with the change ADHD Rating Scale scores. The BCI-based attention training game system is a potential new treatment for ADHD.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01344044.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore. choon_guan_lim@imh.com.sg
authors.forename: Choon Guan
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Tih Shih
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Cuntai
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guan
authors.forename: Daniel Shuen Sheng
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.forename: Yudong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Stephanie Sze Wei
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Teng
authors.forename: Haihong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: K Ranga Rama
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Krishnan
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index