Can a quick brain zap boost memory in ADHD teens?
NCT ID NCT03480737
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can improve working memory in 14 adolescents with ADHD. Each participant received one session each of iTBS, standard TMS, and fake TMS. Brain activity was measured before and after. The goal was to see if iTBS could enhance the brain's natural rhythms linked to memory. This is a very early step to see if the approach is worth testing further.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) using a Magstim Super Rapid2 stimulator
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could point toward a new way to treat working memory problems in teens with ADHD using brain stimulation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 14 people. It tests only a single session, not long-term effects. The results may not lead to a real treatment.
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
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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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14 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2019
- Finished
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Mar 2023
- 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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13 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. Ability to provide assent and have parent provide parental permission 2. English fluency 3. 13-17 years 4. List Sorting Test (NIH Toolbox) performance: Greater than 1.0 standard deviation (SD) below normative mean 5. Parent rating on BRIEF-2 Working Memory: Greater than 1.0 SD above normative mean 6. IQ \> 80 7. Clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type, combined type, or unspecified type. Diagnostic criteria will be confirmed with NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales-Parent. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be screened to exclude individuals with neurological or medical conditions that might confound the results, as well as to exclude participants in whom rTMS might result in increased risk of side effects or complications. Common TMS contraindications include metallic hardware in the body, cardiac pacemaker, patients with an implanted medication pumps or an intracardiac line, or prescription of medications known to lower seizure threshold. This accounts for the majority of the exclusion criteria listed: 1. Intracranial pathology from a known genetic disorder (e.g., NF1, tuberous sclerosis) or from acquired neurologic disease (e.g. stroke, tumor), cerebral palsy, history of severe head injury, or significant dysmorphology 2. History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures 3. History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, or immediate (1st degree relative) family history epilepsy 4. Any progressive (e.g., neurodegenerative) neurological disorder 5. Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.) 6. Contraindicated metal implants in the head, brain or spinal cord (excluding dental implants or fillings) 7. Pacemaker 8. Implanted medication pump 9. Vagal nerve stimulator 10. Deep brain stimulator 11. TENS unit (unless removed completely for the study) 12. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt 13. Signs of increased intracranial pressure 14. Intracranial lesion (including incidental finding on MRI) 15. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness 16. Substance abuse or dependence within past six months (i.e., DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria met) 17. Chronic treatment with prescription medications that decrease cortical seizure threshold
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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E. P. Bradley Hospital
East Providence, Rhode Island, 02915, United States