Analysis of EEG rhythms using custom-made MatLab application for processing of data collected during neurofeedback training in ADHD subjects

Analysis of EEG rhythms using custom-made MatLab application for processing of data collected during neurofeedback training in ADHD subjects. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Without the help of numerous individuals, this thesis and research presented herein would not be possible. The first such individual that has made this possible is Dr. Estate Sokhadze. Dr. Sokhadze has given me nearly unlimited access to his lab to aid in the research experience. His guidance throughout this project has been instrumental in its completion. Additionally, Dr. Sokhadze has provided valuable education over this year to me concerning aspects of the research process such as scientific poster preparations and the writing of journal papers. Dr. Ayman El-Baz has played a highly influential role in this thesis, as well as throughout my entire academic career. In addition to serving as my advisor for this thesis, Dr. El-Baz served as my academic advisor during my undergraduate years in bioengineering. Dr. El-Baz has freely given me advice, time in the lab, and the knowledge base necessary to complete this thesis. His classes in signal processing have paved the way for completion of this thesis. Finally, this thesis would not have been possible without the support –financial, mental, and spiritual – given to me by my family these past five years. I owe more to them than I can express in words and am truly grateful for all they do and continue to do. They have been with me every step of the way in my life, and have helped me in any way they can. Their guidance has been immensely helpful in my completion of this chapter of my life and the pursuit of the next chapter. v ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is prevalent throughout the world. It is believed that 5% of school aged children suffer from ADHD, with some estimates indicating as high as 10% may suffer from the disorder. Primarily, three subtypes of ADHD have been associated with certain electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. However, neurofeedback is considered an efficacious treatment for ADHD. It is proposed that neurofeedback training aimed to mitigate inattention and low arousal in ADHD will be accompanied by changes in EEG bands' relative power. DATA COLLECTION: Patients were 18 children with ADHD. The neurofeedback protocol used to train patients has focused attention training mode, which according to specifications, represents an EEG desynchronization …