Neuromodulation as a Potential Intervention for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

This review examines the therapeutic potential of neuromodulation methods, including neurofeedback, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as non-pharmacological interventions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A comprehensive review of current studies was conducted, focusing on each technique's mechanism, application, and efficacy in managing ADHD symptoms and cognitive deficits. Studies included human participants with ADHD, evaluating changes in symptom severity and cognitive outcomes. Neurofeedback demonstrated efficacy in symptom reduction, particularly when combined with pharmacotherapy, yielding sustained improvements. tDCS showed moderate efficacy, especially in attention and impulsivity control; however, variability in protocols and pediatric response highlights the need for standardization. TMS exhibited mixed outcomes, with high-frequency TMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex indicating potential cognitive benefits, though results were inconsistent across studies. Neuromodulation presents a promising complementary approach for ADHD treatment in children, potentially addressing limitations of pharmacotherapy. Future research should focus on optimizing stimulation parameters, increasing sample sizes, and refining methodologies to establish neuromodulation as part of standard ADHD treatment protocols.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Neurofeedback; Non-pharmacological intervention; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation.