Fuchs et al. (2003)
Examined neurofeedback in children with ADHD in comparison with methylphenidate and showed clinically relevant improvements within the study context.
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback · DOI: 10.1023/A:1022353731702
Evidence & transparency
Science-informed
ILF neurofeedback is not a marketing claim for me, but a method that I place transparently and carefully in the context of the available research.
My approach
No healing promises — a careful placement
I work in an evidence-oriented way. That means: I explain openly what we know, where the research is more robust, and where outcomes can vary individually.
Peer-reviewed research
I rely on published studies, meta-analyses and guidelines rather than on blanket success claims.
Guideline reference
For ADHD, neurofeedback is mentioned as an evidence-based option in the German S3 guideline. This provides an important professional reference point.
Realistic expectations
Neurofeedback is a supportive method. It does not replace medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.
Brief overview
Where neurofeedback is comparatively well studied
Research differs in extent across areas of application. Neurofeedback has been particularly frequently studied in the context of ADHD and self-regulation.
ADHD
The best-studied area. There are controlled studies, meta-analyses and guideline references.
Stress & burnout
Here the evidence base is more heterogeneous. Clinically, neurofeedback is often used for over-arousal, exhaustion and regulation difficulties.
Trauma
Neurofeedback is often used as a complement, particularly to support regulation of arousal and sleep. It does not replace trauma therapy.
Sleep & regulation
Over the course, changes in sleep, inner calm and resilience often emerge. The extent varies individually.
Selected sources
Studies and works I refer to
This selection does not replace a complete literature search, but offers a transparent entry point into the professional basis.
Gani et al. (2008)
Describes long-term effects after neurofeedback and points to lasting changes beyond the treatment period.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Van Doren et al. (2018)
Meta-analysis on the longer-term effectiveness of neurofeedback for ADHD, focusing on the sustainability of effects.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Dobrushina et al. (2020)
Randomised, double-blind study on the modulation of intrinsic brain connectivity through implicit EEG neurofeedback.
Human Brain Mapping / neuroimaging context
Klotzbier et al. (2022)
Work on ILF neurofeedback in the context of autism spectrum disorders and symptom changes across the course of treatment.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.892296
S3 ADHD guideline (2024)
An important German-language reference point for the clinical placement of neurofeedback as an evidence-based therapy option.
AWMF / German ADHD guidelines
Placement
What this research may mean for you
Studies matter, but they do not replace an individual conversation. What matters in the end is whether neurofeedback fits your situation, your profile of strain and your therapeutic environment.
- We discuss your concern in a differentiated way and without time pressure.
- I will say openly if neurofeedback is not the first choice in your case.
- We work with systematic symptom tracking, progress review and clear therapy goals.
- For trauma, depression or complex courses I prefer to work as a complement to other providers.
Systematic progress documentation
Important: scientific evidence does not mean that every person responds in the same way. It helps to base decisions more carefully, name risks more honestly and place progress more realistically.
Note: this page serves as information and does not replace medical diagnostics, medical advice or psychotherapy.
FAQ on evidence
Common questions about the research
Is neurofeedback scientifically unambiguously proven?
In medicine, "proven" is rarely a meaningful absolute. The more relevant question is: are there controlled studies, meta-analyses and transparent clinical experience?
For neurofeedback there is a growing and relevant basis — especially in the ADHD area, where meta-analyses such as Van Doren et al. (2018) describe longer-term effects and the German S3 ADHD guideline (2024) lists neurofeedback. In areas such as trauma, anxiety and depression, sleep difficulties and chronic stress there are also clinical experience and study indications — with evidence density varying by topic.
What matters to me: I work evidence-oriented. That means I know the research, place it transparently and do not promise anything the research does not support.
Why do statements on the internet differ so much?
The term "neurofeedback" is often presented online as if it were a single method. In fact, behind it lie different approaches that clearly differ in technique, aim and evidence:
- Classical frequency-band training — specifically trains individual frequency bands such as SMR, beta or theta.
- ILF neurofeedback (Othmer method) — works in the very slow range below 0.1 Hz and targets implicit self-regulation.
- QEEG-based approaches — use quantitative EEG analyses as a basis for individualised protocols.
- Z-score training, LORETA, HEG and further variants with their own principles and different evidence bases.
When these methods are not clearly separated — and different target groups, indications and quality standards are mixed in addition — contradictory statements quickly arise.
In addition: some providers promise results the research does not support. Others reject neurofeedback across the board without distinguishing between the methods. Neither does justice to reality.
Are there also limits to the method?
Yes. Not every complaint responds equally well. In acute crises, psychoses or complex psychiatric courses, special caution is needed and, as a rule, medical or psychotherapeutic care should come first.
Can I ask you for sources?
Yes. Transparency is part of my working style. When I recommend a method, I can explain its professional basis to you in an understandable way.
Ask us if you want to know the details
In the free initial consultation we clarify whether neurofeedback fits your concern and what the scientific picture looks like in your case.