Actively Recruiting
Accelerated iTBS Targeting of Working Memory Versus Inhibitory Control in Adolescent ADHD
Led by Bradley Hospital · Updated on 2025-10-22
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with ADHD and experience difficulties with working memory and inhibitory control. The study aims to compare the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, when applied to two different brain areas: the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the right presupplementary motor area (PreSMA). The goal is to understand how these treatments may differently affect working memory and inhibitory control deficits in ADHD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive iTBS targeting either the left DLPFC or the right PreSMA. Each participant will undergo three nine-minute iTBS sessions daily, with 20 to 30 minutes between sessions, for a total of ten days, resulting in 30 sessions overall. The stimulation is delivered using a Nexstim NBT System 2 device with MRI neuro-navigation and a cooled figure-eight coil to precisely target the brain regions. During participation, assessments will be conducted approximately 1 to 2 days after completing the iTBS sessions. These include EEG measurements of beta band brain activity, fMRI scans of brain blood flow, task-based performance tests for working memory and inhibitory control, and symptom ratings from parents. The study involves careful monitoring and evaluation of these outcomes to understand the effects of the treatments. Participation spans the treatment period plus follow-up assessments shortly after completion.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Accelerated iTBS Targeting of Working Memory Versus Inhibitory Control in Adolescent ADHD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 12 to 18 years
- Participant and parent fluent in English and able to provide informed consent/assent
- Clinical diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by diagnostic interview
- Parent ratings show elevated working memory and inhibition difficulties on BRIEF-2
- IQ greater than 70
You will not qualify if you...
- Intracranial pathology from genetic or acquired neurological disorders
- History of unexplained fainting spells that could be seizures
- History of seizures, epilepsy, or immediate family history of epilepsy
- Progressive neurological disorders
- Chronic uncontrolled medical conditions that risk emergencies with seizures
- Contraindicated metal implants in the head, brain or spinal cord
- Non-removable makeup or piercings
- Pacemaker, implanted medication pump, or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
- Vagal nerve stimulator, deep brain stimulator, or TENS unit
- Signs of increased intracranial pressure or intracranial lesions
- History of head injury causing prolonged unconsciousness
- Substance abuse or dependence within past six months
- Chronic medications lowering seizure threshold excluding safe psychostimulants
- Active psychosis or mania
- Acute suicidal intent
- Current pregnancy
- Significant visual, hearing or speech impairment
- Dental braces
- Current wards of the state
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Multiple sessions over days as per protocol
Participants receive intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting either the left DLPFC or right pre-SMA brain regions using a Nexstim NBT System 2 device.
3 sessions per day with 20-30 minute breaks between sessions
Duration - 1 to 2 days
Participants undergo assessments including EEG, fMRI, and task-based performance evaluations approximately 1-2 days after the iTBS sessions to measure outcomes.
1 visit (in-person) for post-treatment assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
E. P. Bradley Hospital
East Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02915
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brian K Kavanaugh, PsyD; PI, PsyD ABPP
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here