Zapping ADHD: new brain stimulation trial aims to sharpen kids' focus
NCT ID NCT07633275
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tACS in 50 children and teens aged 6-18 with ADHD. The goal is to see if a mild electrical current applied to the scalp can improve attention and executive function. Participants will receive both real and sham stimulation in a blinded crossover design, with brain activity measured via EEG.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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
-
38 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2026
- Finished
-
Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
6 to 18 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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. Aged 6-18 years, Han Chinese, and right-handed; 2. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal hearing; 3. Meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation; 4. Meets the diagnostic threshold for inattention based on the parent-rated SNAP-IV scale; 5. Performance on the symbol cancellation test, converted to a grade-standardized score, is below the average level; 6. Has normal intelligence as confirmed by a brief intelligence assessment, with no significant emotional disorder or severe physical illness; 7. Able to cooperate with electroencephalography recording and transcranial alternating current stimulation. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Meets diagnostic criteria for other major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; 2. 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; 3. Has known obvious brain structural abnormalities based on available cranial imaging or medical history; 4. Has severe neurological disease, a clear family history of hereditary neurological disorders, or other conditions associated with high neurological risk; 5. Has metal implants or a cardiac pacemaker in the body, or has skull defects, holes, or fractures; 6. Is currently receiving other pharmacological or behavioral treatment for ADHD, such as methylphenidate medication or behavioral intervention.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Changsha, Hunan, 410000, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- AI chatbot app aims to ease parental stress
- Could hidden ADHD symptoms be dragging down medical Students' grades?
- Can virtual worlds teach Real-Life social skills to kids with ADHD?
- Disaster-Proofing ADHD: a parent training program to the test
- Can tailored school support boost behavior and language in kids with ADHD?
- Could a gentle massage at bedtime help kids with ADHD sleep?