Effect of EEG neurofeedback therapy on addiction disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Background and aim: Recently, electroencephalogram neurofeedback (EEG‐NF), a non‐invasive neuromodulation technique, has shown promising potential in treating addiction disorders. However, the heterogeneity of clinical populations and research methodologies make it challenging to reach consistent co...

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Publicado en:Addiction Vol. 121; no. 2; pp. 225 - 239
Autores principales: Wan, Huan, Chen, Biao, Li, Xiaoming, Bu, Junjie
Formato: meta analysis research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Feb2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Feb2026
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        10.1111/add.70164
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        atl: Effect of EEG neurofeedback therapy on addiction disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.
      aug:
        au:
          Wan, Huan
          Chen, Biao
          Li, Xiaoming
          Bu, Junjie
        affil: School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
      sug:
        subj:
          Electroencephalography
          Treatment Outcomes
          Biofeedback
          Behavior, Addictive Prevention and Control
          Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Control
          Human
          Systematic Review
          Meta Analysis
          Behavior, Addictive Symptoms
          Confidence Intervals
          Dose-Response Relationship
          Biofeedback Classification
          Audiovisuals
          Regression
          Time Factors
          Age Factors
          Sex Factors
          Treatment Duration
          Checklists
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          Embase
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          Adult
          Male
          Female
          Software
          Data Analysis Software
          Models, Statistical
          Funding Source
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background and aim: Recently, electroencephalogram neurofeedback (EEG‐NF), a non‐invasive neuromodulation technique, has shown promising potential in treating addiction disorders. However, the heterogeneity of clinical populations and research methodologies make it challenging to reach consistent conclusions regarding its efficacy. This meta‐analysis investigated the therapeutic effects of EEG‐NF on addiction disorders, including both substance and behavioral addictions. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science, including 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2025 that utilized EEG‐NF for addiction treatment, with a total of 662 participants. Subgroup analyses were carried out based on addiction type and neurofeedback modality, alongside meta‐regression analyses considering publication year, sample size, age, sex, number of sessions and duration. Results: EEG‐NF statistically significantly alleviated addiction symptoms (Hedges'g = 0.85, P < 0.001), with stronger effects on substance addiction than behavioral addiction. Auditory feedback was the most effective modality, while audio‐visual feedback was less effective and visual feedback was the weakest. Despite significant heterogeneity, subgroup and meta‐regression analyses suggested that neurofeedback modalities and the number of neurofeedback sessions may be the primary factors influencing therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta‐analysis provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of electroencephalogram neurofeedback (EEG‐NF) in the treatment of addiction disorders, with particularly promising results for substance use disorders. Our findings underscore the critical need for protocol optimization, emphasizing both modality selection and careful dose–response calibration to maximize treatment outcomes.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        meta analysis
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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