How Brain Waves Might Shape Attention Disorders
A new genetic study has shed light on the connection between brain activity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers found that specific patterns of electrical activity in the brain, particularly reduced alpha-wave power during rest, may directly contribute to the risk of developing ADHD. The study, published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, used advanced genetic methods to test whether brain activity changes cause ADHD or are a result of it.
ADHD affects millions of children and adults worldwide. Its core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can disrupt school, work, and relationships. While both genes and environment play roles in ADHD, scientists have long wondered how differences in brain function may lead to these symptoms.
Alpha Brain Waves and Attention
Alpha waves are a type of brain activity measured with electroencephalography (EEG). They are most active when a person is awake but relaxed, such as during quiet rest. In people with ADHD, past studies have often shown lower alpha activity, but it wasn’t clear whether this difference was a cause or a result of the disorder.
To address this question, the new study led by Dr. Kwangmi Ahn and colleagues used a genetic approach known as Mendelian randomization. This method takes advantage of naturally occurring genetic variations to test cause-and-effect relationships between biological traits and diseases.
Linking Genes, EEG, and ADHD
The researchers analyzed two large data sources. The first came from the ENIGMA-EEG consortium, which collected resting EEG data from nearly 8,000 participants. The second dataset included genetic information from more than 225,000 people as part of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. By comparing the two, the team looked for genetic variants that influenced both resting alpha activity and ADHD risk.
Their analysis revealed a clear pattern: individuals with genetic variants linked to lower alpha-wave power were more likely to develop ADHD. Importantly, the reverse was not true. Having genes that predispose someone to ADHD did not appear to change their alpha activity.
This finding suggests that disrupted alpha activity is not just a symptom of ADHD but may play a causal role in its development.
Why This Matters for Neurofeedback and Treatment
The discovery opens the door to new ways of diagnosing and treating ADHD. EEG based neurofeedback therapy already uses real-time brainwave monitoring to help individuals learn to regulate their neural activity. If alpha-wave reduction truly contributes to ADHD, therapies that strengthen this rhythm could improve focus and attention.
Moreover, identifying EEG biomarkers for ADHD could help clinicians detect the disorder earlier, especially in children showing subtle cognitive changes before behavioral symptoms appear.
However, the authors caution that this study, while powerful, has limitations. The EEG data were recorded from a single electrode site, meaning other brain areas may show different relationships. They also note that Mendelian randomization is an inferential approach. It suggests causality but cannot prove it beyond all doubt.
Moving Toward Precision Psychiatry
This research contributes to the growing field of precision psychiatry, where biological markers such as EEG rhythms or genetic patterns guide personalized care. Future studies using more advanced EEG mapping and multimodal neuroimaging could reveal how brain networks interact in ADHD.
Understanding how neural rhythms shape attention and behavior not only clarifies ADHD’s biological roots but also points to new ways to restore balance in the brain. As neurofeedback, EEG, and related technologies continue to advance, clinicians may soon have tools that move beyond symptom management toward truly individualized brain-based care.
References:
- Ahn K, et al. Genetic evidence linking resting-state EEG alpha power and ADHD risk. Journal of Attention Disorders, 2025. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jad
- Smit D J A, et al. “Large-scale collaboration in ENIGMA-EEG: A perspective on the meta-analytic approach to link neurological and psychiatric liability genes to electrophysiological brain activity.” Brain and Behavior. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353393926_Large-scale_collaboration_in_ENIGMA-EEG_A_perspective_on_the_meta-analytic_approach_to_link_neurological_and_psychiatric_liability_genes_to_electrophysiological_brain_activity