An autonomic nervous system biofeedback modality for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder--an open pilot study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a new non-invasive technique of non-cognitive biofeedback called Autonomic Nervous System Biofeedback Modality on the behavioral and attention parameters of a sample of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHOD: 19 subjects attending regular schools, who met DSM-IV criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, received four sessions of Autonomic Nervous System Biofeedback Modality treatment. The heart rate variability was measured before and after the treatment, as were measures of efficacy including Conners' Teacher Questionnaires (28 items), the Child Behavior Check List for parents and teachers and Continuous Performance Test. RESULTS: Positive treatment effect was observed in all the subjects. The parent's Child Behavior Check List and Conners' Teacher Questionnaires of the whole group showed statistically significant differences. The teacher's Child Behavior Check List showed positive change not reaching statistical significance. A positive correlation between heart rate variability changes and improvement of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was found. CONCLUSION: These are preliminary findings of apparent efficacy of Autonomic Nervous System Biofeedback Modality treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Future controlled trials are warranted.