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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 ,
M. Spadotto ,
M. Boero ,
I.F. Bracco  and
F. Oliva
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.

Keywords

adhdBinaural beatsNon-pharmachological interventionBrain stimulation
Type
Abstract
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 65 , Special Issue S1: Abstracts of the 30th European Congress of Psychiatry , June 2022 , pp. S274
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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