Epistemological and critical analysis of neurofeedback as a psychotherapeutic system. The emblematic case of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

In order to establish the legitimacy of neurofeedback as a treatment and to better inform patients about this therapeutic, classical efficacy studies (double-blind randomized controlled trials) are essential but are only one aspect among many. We therefore proposed to apply the Duruz's criteria to the emblematic case of neurofeedback for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). On the one hand, we applied five scientific criteria of relevance and evidence to the neurofeedback. On the other hand, we analysed the epistemology initiated by the model of neurofeedback according to a neurophenomenological perspective. Finally, we note that, in France, the creation of a scientific community, attached to the existing international scholarly societies on neurofeedback, is needed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.