Teen memory study uses brain zaps to uncover hidden brain patterns
NCT ID NCT05662280
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique can temporarily change brain activity linked to working memory in teens aged 12-18 with ADHD. Researchers will measure brain waves during memory tasks before and after stimulation. The goal is to understand how brain regions work together, not to provide a treatment or cure. Participants are compensated, and there are no expected long-term benefits.
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
-
About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Dec 2022
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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
-
12 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.
Researchers will enroll a sample of adolescents (age 12-18 years) with working memory deficits and ADHD. Participation in this study will not require any adjustments to their clinical care. There are no costs to this study (participants compensated) and there are no expected long-term benefits to the participants. Participants will be compensated for each session. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time. Inclusion Criteria 1. Ability to provide assent and have parent provide parental permission 2. English fluency of the participant and the legal guardian/parent 3. 12-18 years 4. Parent rating on BRIEF-2 Working Memory: Greater than 1.0 SD above normative mean. 5. IQ \> 80 6. 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 MRI or TMS might result in increased risk of side effects or complications. Common 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. These account for the majority of the exclusion criteria listed below: 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, braces or fillings) 7. Non-removable makeup or piercings 8. Pacemaker 9. Implanted medication pump 10. Vagal nerve stimulator 11. Deep brain stimulator 12. TENS unit (unless removed completely for the study) 13. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt 14. Signs of increased intracranial pressure 15. Intracranial lesion (including incidental finding on MRI) 16. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness 17. Substance abuse or dependence within past six months (i.e., DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria) 18. Chronic treatment with prescription medications that decrease cortical seizure threshold, not including psychostimulant medication if deemed to be medically safe as part of the medical review process. 19. Active psychosis or mania 20. Current suicidal intent 21. Current pregnancy 22. Significant visual, hearing or speech impairment 23. Current wards of the state
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
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
-
E. P. Bradley Hospital
RECRUITINGEast Providence, Rhode Island, 02915, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- AI chatbot app aims to ease parental stress
- Park golf may sharpen aging brains: a trial puts it to the test
- Could hidden ADHD symptoms be dragging down medical Students' grades?
- Can virtual worlds teach Real-Life social skills to kids with ADHD?
- Can a gentle electric current supercharge your memory?
- Disaster-Proofing ADHD: a parent training program to the test