What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for ADHD that involve neuromodulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), generally have mild side effects. These can include headaches, which may require temporary cessation of treatment, as well as sensations of warmth, itching, tingling, and redness at the site of stimulation. More severe side effects are rare. Other neuromodulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may also cause lightheadedness and muscle spasms, but serious adverse events are uncommon.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine and extended-release guanfacine. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is being studied for its potential benefits in modulating neuronal activity in ADHD, it has not yet received FDA approval for this specific use.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to anodal tDCS for ADHD treatment in 2024 include: 1) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - This technique uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and has shown potential in improving attention and reducing hyperactivity. 2) Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) - This non-invasive method stimulates the vagus nerve and has been explored for its cognitive benefits. 3) External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) - This device stimulates the trigeminal nerve and has been FDA-approved for ADHD, showing improvements in attention and behavior. These alternatives offer non-invasive options with emerging evidence supporting their efficacy and safety.

← Back to Search

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Brain Stimulation for ADHD

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Joan Camprodon, MD, PhD, MPH

Research Sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change before and after stimulation on each of the four visits, average of 2-6 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing mild electrical brain stimulation to see how it affects brain function and thinking skills in people who might benefit from improved cognitive abilities.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with ADHD, diagnosed per DSM-5 criteria. Participants can be on non-stimulant meds if the dose has been stable for 4 weeks. Those on stimulants must stop them two days before each study visit under a doctor's guidance but may resume between visits.

What is being tested?

The study tests how different doses of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to the left DLPFC affect cognitive and brain functions in people with ADHD. It looks at various current intensities, electric field strengths, and durations of stimulation.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects from tDCS include mild tingling or itching at the electrode site during application, fatigue, headache, nausea or discomfort. These are generally temporary and considered mild.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change before and after stimulation on each of the four visits, average of 2-6 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change before and after stimulation on each of the four visits, average of 2-6 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change before and after stimulation on each of the four visits, average of 2-6 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in Accuracy and Reaction Time in Attention and Working Memory

Secondary study objectives

Electroencephalography

Side effects data

From 2021 Phase 2 & 3 trial • 160 Patients • NCT02483468

skin irritation

Car accident

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Study treatment Arm

tDCS (Active)

tDCS (Sham)

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Healthy ControlExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Volunteers without Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Group II: ADHDExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Patients with ADHD.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

2014

Completed Phase 3

~1100

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for ADHD include stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines, which increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, enhancing attention and focus. Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that modulates neuronal activity by applying a low electrical current to the scalp, particularly targeting areas like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This can improve symptoms of impulsivity and attention by enhancing cortical excitability and synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms are crucial for ADHD patients as they directly address the neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder, potentially leading to improved cognitive function and behavioral control.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in children with ADHD: A randomized, sham-controlled pilot study.Transcranial direct current brain stimulation decreases impulsivity in ADHD.