Editorial: Neurofeedback in ADHD

Martijn Arns,Hartmut Heinrich,Aribert Rothenberger,Tomas Ros,Ute Strehl

doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00602

Abstract

Editorial: Neurofeedback in ADHD

Highlights

Almost a century ago Ivan Pavlov laid the groundwork for what we know as classical conditioning
Jasper and Shagass took their experiments one step further, showing that using these principles of conditioning, subjects could be taught “voluntary control” over their alpha blocking response, by pairing the light-onset not to an auditory tone, but to a sub-vocal command (“block”; Jasper and Shagass, 1941b). In their most basic form, these can be considered the first demonstrations of “neurofeedback” or voluntary control over the EEG based on basic learning principles
Some years after these initial studies, the first reports employing operant learning principles to EEG were reported by Kamiya [voluntary control of alpha power and alpha peak frequency (Kamiya, 1968)], McAdam et al [voluntary control of the contingent negative variation (CNV) or slow cortical potential (SCP) (McAdam et al, 1966)], and Sterman (operant conditioning of the so-called sensori-motor rhythm (SMR) in cats, Wyrwicka and Sterman, 1968)

Summary

Introduction

Almost a century ago Ivan Pavlov laid the groundwork for what we know as classical conditioning. This alpha blocking response consists of a desynchronization of the dominant alpha activity, present during an eyes closed (or dark) condition, into a desynchronized low voltage beta EEG ( see Ros et al, 2014, in this research topic).

Results

Conclusion