Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9234
Title: Effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy compared to methylphenidate in treating children & adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Attard, Christie
Keywords: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Treatment
Attention-deficit-disordered children
Biofeedback training
Issue Date: 2013
Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurobehavioral disorder which forms part of a group of hyperkinetic disorders. This disorder is characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, which may result in poor educational attainment and social development. Thus, it is vital to consider treatment whenever need be in order not to compromise the child's well being. The first - line treatment when treating school-aged children is the use of psycho stimulants the most common being methylphenidate (MPH) (NICE, 2008). Being a pharmacological treatment, methylphenidate has many challenges contributed with it mainly its side-effects and the need to be taken every 4 hours. Thus, the introduction and use of an effective non-pharmacological alternative is very essential. Neurofeedback therapy (NFT) helps the patient to achieve control over the brain wave activity in the brain, resulting in improvement in attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of NFT as an alternative therapy, compared to that of MPH. To undergo this study a PICO question was formulated: How effective is neurofeedback therapy compared to Methylphenidate in reducing symptoms when treating children between 6 and 14 years of age with ADHD? A thorough search was carried out in order to find the most possible relevant literature. After applying several criteria and filters in several aspects like age, research design and year of publication, 12 articles were chosen. These were then appraised using the PRISMA and CONSORT checklists and first and second part of Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan (2007) accordingly. The findings illustrate that both treatments are efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms; the use of MPH resulted in higher behavioural improvement while NFT pronounced greater improvement in both behaviour and cognitive functions. Furthermore, positive effects of NFT proved to be more stable even when the treatment was stopped, while symptoms returned after stopping MPH treatment. Recommendations for research, education, practice, management and policy change were made; also including several strategies on how can one disseminate the findings.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/9234
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2013
Dissertations - FacHScMH - 2013

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