CompletedNot Applicable

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Brain Activity Changes to Psychostimulants

United States38 participantsStarted 2004-05

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the neural basis of response inhibition, working memory, and sustained attention in adolescents and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with particular emphasis on quantifying the effects of methylphenidate (i.e., treatment with psychostimulants) on neural function. Participants will undergo electrophysiological measurement of brain function during laboratory cognitive tasks. This research is aimed to develop a better understanding of how ADHD neural dysfunction relates to clinical presentation and medication response during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The specific aims and hypotheses are: Specific Aim: To characterize the effect of Ritalin (methylphenidate) on neural activity underlying performance on the response inhibition task in ADHD adolescents and adults. Hypothesis 1) Methylphendiate will increase N2 and P3 amplitude in ADHD persons during medicated EEG sessions; Hypothesis 2) There will be a significant age × medication interaction such that ADHD teens will show increased amplitude of N2 while medicated, particularly at frontal sites, whereas ADHD adults will show differentially greater effect of medication on P3 amplitude and latency at central sites. Hypothesis 3) Brain activity assessed by fMRI will differ between unmedicated and medicated states.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: ADHD will be diagnosed based on DSM-IV criteria for ADHD combined subtype ADHD. Combined subtype ADHD requires at least 6 of 9 possible symptoms within both the Hyperactive-Impulsive symptom cluster and the Inattentive symptom cluster. This will be assessed using information gathered from the K-SADS-PL interview with either the potential participant or their parent, and from published self- and parent-report ADHD symptom rating scales (Brown, 1996; Barkley, 1998). Predominantly Inattentive ADHD persons will not be included. The Predominantly Inattentive subtype is the subject of much theoretical debate, as it is not clear that these persons represent a unitary disorder, or that they are neurobiologically similar to combined-subtype ADHD (Millich et al., 2001). Exclusion Criteria: To further aid proper ADHD diagnosis, all potential participants will be administered a battery of neuropsychological tests. Potential ADHD participants will undergo testing while unmedicated. This battery will include IQ, and attention and memory tests (WASI, Trail Making, Symbol Digit, Stroop Test, and Rey AVLT), as well as several measures of executive functioning known to be sensitive to the cognitive deficits observed in ADHD samples (Kaplan \& Stevens, 2002). Normal performance on all cognitive tests known to be sensitive to ADHD will exclude participants from the study. Full Scale IQ score from the WASI below 80 or above 120 will exclude participants from further partici…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01310439

SponsorHartford Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2010-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder trials