Effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in children and adolescents with ADHD: a review of EEG studies

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by behavioral, cognitive, and neural differences that can significantly impact individuals in multiple areas of their lives. For a therapeutic intervention to be considered successful, it should not only address the targeted areas but also address other challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. This comprehensive approach can help reduce both the cost and duration of treatment. Thus, the objective of this mini review is to examine the transferability of cognitive rehabilitation methods that focus on working memory and/or inhibitory control on resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) findings. Method: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies published before 30th of July 2024. A total of 7 studies were included in our data extraction process. Results: Cognitive rehabilitation methods targeting working memory and/or inhibitory control generally assisted in change EEG frequencies in children and adolescents with ADHD. However, its efficiency was different in diverse brain frequency bands. Limitations: The analysis of the available literature was restricted due to the small number of studies with non-homogeneous characteristics - both in terms of methodology and clinical aspects - which restricted our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions. Conclusion: Notably, there was a consistent decrease in theta power observed among participants with ADHD when contrasted with an age- and gender-matched control group. However, there was no significant effect on beta power. Further research is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions across alpha and delta frequencies.