Can zapping the brain help teens with ADHD stop themselves?
NCT ID NCT06325813
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how a brain area called the pre-SMA affects impulse control in teens with ADHD. Researchers will use a non-invasive technique called TMS to stimulate this area and measure brain activity. The goal is to better understand ADHD, not to provide treatment. 40 teens aged 12-17 with ADHD will participate.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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12 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ADHD diagnosis 2. Ages 12-17 years 3. Stimulant use is allowed but must be discontinued 24 hours prior to and during days of TMS visit Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical conditions contraindicated or associated with altered TMS risk profile, including history of intracranial pathology, epilepsy or seizure disorders, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative conditions, hearing impairment, metallic objects in the head or any other serious medical condition 2. Presence of any implanted medical devices (e.g., ports, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants) 3. For biological females who are post-menarche, current pregnancy based on urine pregnancy test. 4. Baseline problem of hearing impairment or chronic tinnitus 5. Any clinically significant finding on brain MRI 6. History of DSM-5 conduct disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder 7. Non-stimulant medication(s) for ADHD (e.g., alpha2 adrenergic agonist, atomoxetine, tricyclics) 8. Neuroleptic/antipsychotic medication(s) 9. Inability to undergo MRI 10. Active suicidality, history of suicidality, or high risk for suicide as assessed by a study physician 11. Substance abuse or dependence within the past year, based on 1) separate screening process of asking parent/guardian and participant, and 2) positive urine drug screen. Exception will be made for positive urine drug screen due to prescribed ADHD medication
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
RECRUITINGCincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
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