Fronto-Parietal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for ADHD in Children and Adolescents (NCT07633275) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Fronto-Parietal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for ADHD in Children and Adolescents
China50 participantsStarted 2026-03-26
Plain-language summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children and adolescents and is often associated with difficulties in attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and other executive functions. The fronto-parietal brain network is thought to play an important role in these cognitive functions. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may influence brain activity. This study aims to evaluate whether 5-Hz tACS targeting the right frontal and parietal regions can improve executive functioning in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years with ADHD. The study also aims to explore whether any effects of tACS are related to changes in brain activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Participants will receive both active tACS and sham stimulation in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Clinical symptoms, executive function performance, and EEG measures will be assessed before and after each stimulation session. The main hypothesis is that active fronto-parietal tACS will produce greater improvement in executive functioning than sham stimulation, and that these effects may be associated with changes in EEG-measured brain activity.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 18 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
. Aged 6-18 years, Han Chinese, and right-handed;
. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal hearing;
. Meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation;
. Meets the diagnostic threshold for inattention based on the parent-rated SNAP-IV scale;
. Performance on the symbol cancellation test, converted to a grade-standardized score, is below the average level;
. Has normal intelligence as confirmed by a brief intelligence assessment, with no significant emotional disorder or severe physical illness;
. Able to cooperate with electroencephalography recording and transcranial alternating current stimulation.
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.
1This trial uses a brain stimulation technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation applied to the fronto-parietal area of my child's brain — can you explain what that actually involves and whether there are any known risks or side effects specific to using this on children and adolescents?
2Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's an early feasibility or device study rather than a late-stage efficacy trial, what does that mean for how much we'd actually know about whether this treatment works before my child participates?
3The trial measures attention improvement using a specific children's attention test and EEG brain activity recordings — does that mean the main goal right now is to understand brain responses rather than guarantee a direct treatment benefit for my child?
4Before considering this trial, should my child try established ADHD treatments like behavioral therapy or medication first, and how would joining this study interact with any current or future treatment plan?
5What would participation actually look like day-to-day for my child — how many visits, how long are the sessions, and are there any school or scheduling demands we should be aware of before deciding whether this is realistic for our family?
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.
What they're measuring
1
Change in attention performance measured by the Test of Attentional Performance for Children
Timeframe: Before the first stimulation session, immediately after the first stimulation session, before the second stimulation session after a washout interval of at least 2 days, and immediately after the second stimulation session.
2
Change in task-related EEG indices during the visual search task
Timeframe: Before the first stimulation session, immediately after the first stimulation session, before the second stimulation session after a washout interval of at least 2 days, and immediately after the second stimulation session.
. Meets diagnostic criteria for other major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder;
. Has severe physical diseases, such as significant intracranial lesions, thyroid disease, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, severe hematological disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, or significant visual or hearing impairment;
. Has known obvious brain structural abnormalities based on available cranial imaging or medical history;
. Has severe neurological disease, a clear family history of hereditary neurological disorders, or other conditions associated with high neurological risk;
. Has metal implants or a cardiac pacemaker in the body, or has skull defects, holes, or fractures;
. Is currently receiving other pharmacological or behavioral treatment for ADHD, such as methylphenidate medication or behavioral intervention.