Winning over ADHD by charging the brain non-invasive stimulation methods in ADHD: A systematic review

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized primarily by either hyperactivity or inattention or both. Non-Invasive brain stimulation techniques including Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and Repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) act by altering brain activity and modulating neuronal networks. Both rTMS and tDCS have been previously used in pediatric population and now being used as an intervention for ADHD. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on Non-Invasive stimulation in ADHD as a means of treatment. An English Language Literature search using Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Pedro was done to identify the data. PRISMA guidelines were followed and those studies which fulfilled the specific requirements were selected. Methodological quality of these studies was assessed using PEDro scale. In accordance with the inclusion criteria; eight studies done between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Studies were grouped according to intervention given: rTMS and tDCS. Our findings reveal that both rTMS and tDCS have positive effects on improving inhibitory control, executive function as well as the impulsive symptoms in ADHD. It was concluded that Non-invasive stimulation is a promising and upcoming tool for improving executive functions and inhibitory control in ADHD. More number of high quality randomized control trials are required to strengthen the evidence and incorporation of these tools in clinical practice.