Pilot Study of Prism EFP NeuroFeedback in Adult ADHD

OBJECTIVE

A pilot study to preliminarily examine the effects of Prism EFP NeuroFeedback (NF) in adult ADHD.

METHOD

Prism EFP NF is a form of NF specifically designed to target emotional dysregulation (ED) through down regulation of amygdala activity. Prism EFP NF has been shown to improve other disorders with significant ED. Nine participants with adult ADHD received an open trial of Prism EFP NF consisting of fifteen sessions over 8 weeks; all completed at least 5 weeks of treatment with seven completing all 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed by change in ADHD symptoms from baseline to End of Treatment.

RESULTS

About two-third reduction was seen in total DSM ADHD symptom scores (primary outcome measure) with improvement observed in all other clinical measures. No significant adverse events were seen.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary trial found substantial effects of Prism EFP NF on ADHD/ED symptoms and global impairment.

Neural processes for live pro-social dialogue between dyads with socioeconomic disparity

An emerging theoretical framework suggests that neural functions associated with stereotyping and prejudice are associated with frontal lobe networks. Using a novel neuroimaging technique, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), during a face-to-face live communication paradigm, we explore an extension of this model to include live dynamic interactions. Neural activations were compared for dyads of similar and dissimilar socioeconomic backgrounds. The socioeconomic status of each participant was based on education and income levels. Both groups of dyads engaged in pro-social dialectic discourse during acquisition of hemodynamic signals. Post-scan questionnaires confirmed increased anxiety and effort for high-disparity dyads. Consistent with the frontal lobe hypothesis, left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC), frontopolar area and pars triangularis were more active during speech dialogue in high than in low-disparity groups. Further, frontal lobe signals were more synchronous across brains for high- than low-disparity dyads. Convergence of these behavioral, neuroimaging and neural coupling findings associate left frontal lobe processes with natural pro-social dialogue under 'out-group' conditions and advance both theoretical and technical approaches for further investigation.