Neurofeedback for improving attention and reducing impulsivity in adults with ADHD

Effects of EEG- Microstate Neurofeedback on Attention and Impulsivity in Adult Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Neurotypical Controls

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Geneva · NCT05582928

This study is testing whether a new brain training method can help adults with ADHD improve their attention and reduce impulsivity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva)
Trial IDNCT05582928 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of EEG microstate neurofeedback on attention and impulsivity in adults diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls. Participants will engage in neurofeedback sessions aimed at manipulating EEG microstates, which are short-duration stable periods of brain activity. The study will assess neurophysiological, clinical, and behavioral outcomes to determine the efficacy of this novel approach. By exploring new biomarkers for ADHD, the research aims to enhance treatment options for individuals with this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-50 with a diagnosis of ADHD who are in general good health.

Not a fit: Patients with significant central nervous system disorders or current psychiatric comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new therapeutic option for adults with ADHD, potentially improving their attention and reducing impulsivity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neurofeedback for ADHD, but this specific approach focusing on EEG microstates is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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)

Where this trial is running

Geneva

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ADHDHealthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.