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Effects and Neural Mechanisms of Fronto-Parietal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Led by Central South University · Updated on 2026-06-08
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting children and adolescents, leading to challenges in attention, control, and memory. Researchers are studying whether a non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), targeting specific brain areas, can improve these cognitive functions in young people aged 6 to 18 years with ADHD. The study also looks at how brain activity changes during this treatment using EEG measurements. Participants will receive both active and placebo (sham) tACS in a randomized order, with a washout period of at least 2 days between sessions. The active tACS involves a 5-Hz current applied for 12 minutes using electrodes placed on the right frontoparietal brain regions. The sham procedure mimics the sensations of active stimulation but without sustained current. Two groups are formed: one receives active stimulation first, then sham; the other group receives sham first, then active. During the study, participants will undergo attention tests and EEG recordings before and after each stimulation session. Researchers will also assess ADHD symptoms, behavior, mood, anxiety, sleep, sensory processing, and attention performance using various questionnaires and tasks. This comprehensive monitoring will help understand the effects of tACS on brain function and symptoms. The trial lasts through these sessions and assessments, with safety and response carefully observed.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Fronto-Parietal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for ADHD in Children and Adolescents
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 6 to 18 years, Han Chinese, and right-handed
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and normal hearing
- Diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation, according to DSM-5
- Meets the threshold for inattention on the parent-rated SNAP-IV scale
- Below average performance on the symbol cancellation test after grade standardization
- Normal intelligence without significant emotional disorders or severe physical illnesses
- Able to cooperate with EEG recording and transcranial alternating current stimulation procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with other major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- Severe physical diseases like intracranial lesions, thyroid disease, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, severe blood disorders, lupus, or significant sensory impairments
- Known obvious brain structural abnormalities from imaging or medical history
- Severe neurological diseases, family history of hereditary neurological disorders, or high neurological risk conditions
- Presence of metal implants, cardiac pacemaker, skull defects, holes, or fractures
- Currently receiving pharmacological or behavioral treatments for ADHD such as medication or therapy
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 - Approximately 1 week including washout period
Participants receive two types of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) sessions over the right frontoparietal region: active stimulation and sham stimulation. Each session lasts 12 minutes and is separated by a washout period of at least 2 days. The order of stimulation is randomized.
2 stimulation visits separated by at least 2 days
Duration - Concurrent with stimulation visits
Participants undergo assessments before and immediately after each stimulation session to evaluate changes in attention, EEG activity, ADHD symptoms, behavior, mood, anxiety, sleep, sensory processing, and selective attention.
4 assessment visits around stimulation sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Changsha, Hunan, China, 410000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jianjun Ou
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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