Self-management training vs. neurofeedback interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Results of a randomized controlled treatment study.

Objectives: Neurofeedback (NF) and self-management training (SMT) may be viable treatment options for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if they alleviate core symptoms, enhance the patients' self-concept and improve their quality of life (QoL). Aim of the current study is evaluating both interventions accordingly and to test whether specific improvements in core symptoms lead to more general improvements in self-concept and QoL. Methods: In a psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic in Germany, a total of Results: Significant improvements in ADHD symptoms were achieved similarly in both treatment groups, whilst QoL and self-concept improved after SMT only. Conclusion: This treatment study provides further evidence that SMT and NF may reduce core symptoms, but SMT may also improve patients' self-concept and QoL and may thus in its current form be the favorable treatment option in naturalistic settings. However, several limitations of the current study implicate that further research is required before definitive conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice can be given. Clinical trial registration: [www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT01879644].