EWM Training for ADHD

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Michael C Stevens, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Hartford Hospital

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Bipolar, ASD, others

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The proposed study will replicate target engagement as assessed in the first phase while also determining if it correlates with clinically meaningful improvements in ADHD dysfunction

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the EWM Training treatment for ADHD?

Some studies suggest that working memory training can improve working memory and inhibitory control in children with ADHD, and may help reduce ADHD symptoms at home and school. However, other research indicates that while working memory training can enhance short-term memory tasks, it may not significantly improve classic ADHD symptoms like attention problems or impulsivity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is EWM Training for ADHD safe for humans?

The research articles reviewed do not provide specific safety data for EWM Training or similar interventions like placebo treatments in ADHD. They focus on the effects of placebo in ADHD treatment but do not address safety concerns directly. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is EWM Training different from other ADHD treatments?

EWM Training is unique because it focuses on improving working memory through computerized exercises, which is different from traditional ADHD treatments that often involve medication or behavioral therapy. This approach aims to enhance cognitive skills by practicing memory tasks that gradually increase in difficulty. ^{1 2 5 11 12}

Research Team

Michael C Stevens, PhD

Principal Investigator

Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals diagnosed with ADHD. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's important to contact the study organizers for detailed information on who can participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Diagnosis of ADHD

English speaking

Right-handed

Exclusion Criteria

I have a brain condition or neurological disorder.

Braces, metal, or implant devices

I have had a traumatic brain injury or was unconscious for over 30 minutes.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo executive working memory (EWM) training or placebo sessions 4 times each week for 5 weeks

5 weeks

Remote sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including changes in fMRI measurements and performance on cognitive tasks

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• EWM Training (Behavioral Intervention)
• Placebo Training (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing a training called EWM Training against a Placebo Training to see if it helps improve executive working memory and reduces symptoms of ADHD.

Participant Groups

Group I: ADHD EWM Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive EWM training sessions.

Group II: ADHD Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive placebo training sessions.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital Hartford, CT

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hartford Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

140

Patients Recruited

19,700+

Findings from Research

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Commentary: Working memory training and ADHD - where does its potential lie? Reflections on Chacko et al. (2014). Gathercole, SE.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

RCT of working memory training in ADHD: long-term near-transfer effects. Hovik, KT., Saunes, BK., Aarlien, AK., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methylphenidate and memory: dissociated effects in hyperactive children. Evans, RW., Gualtieri, CT., Amara, I.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of comprehensive working memory training on executive functions and behavioral symptoms in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nejati, V., Derakhshan, Z., Mohtasham, A.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized working memory training for adults with ADHD in a psychiatric outpatient context-a feasibility trial. Sjöwall, D., Berglund, M., Hirvikoski, T.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Responders, nonresponders, and placebo responders among children with attention deficit disorder. Importance of a blinded placebo evaluation. Ullmann, RK., Sleator, EK.[2017]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo and nocebo responses in randomised, controlled trials of medications for ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Faraone, SV., Newcorn, JH., Cipriani, A., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Magnesium pemolone: lack of facilitation in human learning, memory, and performance tests. Smith, RG.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of actigraphy in the monitoring of methylphenidate versus placebo in ADHD: a meta-analysis. De Crescenzo, F., Armando, M., Mazzone, L., et al.[2014]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo response and its determinants in children with ADHD across multiple observers and settings: A randomized clinical trial. Fageera, W., Traicu, A., Sengupta, SM., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors and Moderators of Treatment Outcome in Cognitive Training for Children With ADHD. van der Donk, MLA., Hiemstra-Beernink, AC., Tjeenk-Kalff, AC., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD--a randomized, controlled trial. Klingberg, T., Fernell, E., Olesen, PJ., et al.[2022]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Commentary: Working memory training and ADHD - where does its potential lie? Reflections on Chacko et al. (2014). [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

RCT of working memory training in ADHD: long-term near-transfer effects. [2021]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methylphenidate and memory: dissociated effects in hyperactive children. [2019]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of comprehensive working memory training on executive functions and behavioral symptoms in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized working memory training for adults with ADHD in a psychiatric outpatient context-a feasibility trial. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Responders, nonresponders, and placebo responders among children with attention deficit disorder. Importance of a blinded placebo evaluation. [2017]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo and nocebo responses in randomised, controlled trials of medications for ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Magnesium pemolone: lack of facilitation in human learning, memory, and performance tests. [2019]

9. Austria pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of actigraphy in the monitoring of methylphenidate versus placebo in ADHD: a meta-analysis. [2014]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo response and its determinants in children with ADHD across multiple observers and settings: A randomized clinical trial. [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors and Moderators of Treatment Outcome in Cognitive Training for Children With ADHD. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD--a randomized, controlled trial. [2022]