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A pilot add-on Randomized-Controlled Trial evaluating the effect of binaural beats on study performance, mind-wandering, and core symptoms of adult ADHD patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

F. Malandrone
Affiliation:
University of Turin, Clinical And Biological Sciences Department, Orbassano, Italy
M. Spadotto
Affiliation:
University of Turin, Department Of Clinical And Biological Sciences, Orbassano (TO), Italy
M. Boero
Affiliation:
University of Turin, Departiment Of Neuroscience “rita Levi Montalcini”, Orbassano, Italy
I.F. Bracco
Affiliation:
University of Turin, Departiment Of Neuroscience “rita Levi Montalcini”, Orbassano, Italy
F. Oliva*
Affiliation:
University of Turin, Department Of Clinical And Biological Sciences, Orbassano (TO), Italy
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently persists throughout adulthood. Binaural Beats (BB) are auditory perceptions occurring when two soundwaves of slightly different frequency are carried separately to the ears; they might modulate brain activity and performance.

Objectives

To evaluate BB efficacy on studing performance, mind-wandering, and core symptoms of a sample of adult ADHD outpatients

Methods

In this randomized-controlled trial we recruited a sample of University students in pharmacological treatment for adult ADHD. A track with 15 Hz BB (415 Hz to right and 400 Hz to the left ear) was delivered to the intervention group; whereas, a placebo track consisting of two identical frequencies (400 Hz) was administered to control group. The RCT consisted of a baseline assessment (T0) and two fortnightly follow-ups (T1-T2). Each time, the patient filled the ADHD-RS-5 (ADHD Rating Scale-5) and the MEWS (Mind Excessively Wandering Scale) and executed an online version of SART (Sustained Attention to Response Task). The effect of self-administered acoustic stimulation during individual studying sessions was estimated by a subjective studying performance (SSP) evaluation questionnaire.

Results

A significant improvement of SSP from baseline assessment (T1) to the last observation (T3) was detected in BB group only (mean differences= 2.7, p<.001). A significant between-group contrast for SSP was also found at T3. No other significant changes were detected for ADHD-RS, MEWS and SART at p<.05 level.

Conclusions

BB seem to improve subjective studying performance and ADHD symptoms severity. These preliminary findings must be confirmed in larger sample.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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