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Finding Alternatives to Standard Treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Finding Alternatives to Standard Treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04532190
Acronym
FAST-ADHD
Enrollment
30
Registered
2020-08-31
Start date
2026-03-01
Completion date
2027-12-31
Last updated
2026-05-14

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Keywords

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Brief summary

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by poor attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and emotional-motivational dysregulation. Here, we will test if theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Detailed description

Background & Rationale Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by poor attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and emotional-motivational dysregulation. It has an estimated prevalence of 5% in children. Usually, ADHD in children is treated with stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate. However, these pharmacotherapy treatments have numerous unwanted side effects, including sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and emotional lability, and do not prove to be effective in every case. A promising and alternative option for reducing ADHD symptoms is non-invasive brain stimulation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation which involves the application of a magnetic field to the skull to change the behaviour and function of underlying brain areas. In turn, rTMS leads to positive long-term changes in neurochemical activity, and while studies are limited, some have shown that rTMS can reduce ADHD symptoms in adolescents with ADHD. Methods Design: Open label TMS trial Primary Outcome: To examine the effect of active rTMS to the right prefrontal cortex on attention as measured by the TEACh-2 Outline: 1. Baseline Assessment (MRI Scan, assessment scales, neuropsychological testing) 2. rTMS intervention: 5 / week for 4 weeks. 3. Post-intervention Assessment (MRI Scan, assessment scales, neuropsychological testing).

Interventions

DEVICErTMS

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Sponsors

University of Calgary
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Open label

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
9 Years to 15 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of ADHD 2. 9-15 years old 3. IQ greater than 80 4. English fluency (to enable consent/assent) 5. If on medication, must have been on the same type and dosage for at least 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of mania, psychosis, or bipolar disorder 2. Impediments to TMS or MRI (i.e. metal implants in body) 3. Prior electroconvulsive therapy or vagus nerve stimulation 4. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
TEACH-2Baseline to week 5Test of everyday attention in children - 2. Direct assessment of attention abilities in children.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
SNAP-185 weeks and 52 weeks.Parent reporting of ADHD symptom severity
PedsQLBaseline to week 5Self reporting of quality of life

Countries

Canada

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 15, 2026