Actively Recruiting
Multimodal Brain Imaging of the Neural Effects of Methylphenidate in Patients With ADHD
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2025-10-16
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how brain imaging can help predict responses to treatment with methylphenidate in people with combined-type attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study aims to measure changes in brain activity during tasks and brain glutamate levels after treatment, helping guide the development of new ADHD medications. This is a phase 4 trial involving adults with ADHD. Participants receive a single oral dose of either methylphenidate (10 mg or 15 mg) or a matching placebo, followed by the alternate treatment after a one-week washout period. This double-blind crossover design means that neither participants nor researchers know the order of treatments during the study. The effects of each dose will be assessed with brain scans and testing. During the study, participants will undergo neuropsychological testing along with functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans to measure brain activity and glutamate levels approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours after dosing. Researchers will monitor brain responses related to symptom control and medication effects. The total participation includes two treatment sessions separated by a washout period, with detailed brain imaging and assessments at each visit.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Multimodal Brain Imaging of the Neural Effects of Methylphenidate in Patients With ADHD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Right handed
- Age between 6 and 40 years
- Diagnosed with combined-type ADHD
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Past or current neurological disorder
- Cognitive impairment not caused by ADHD
- Uncontrolled medical disorder
- Head trauma with loss of consciousness in the past year or ongoing impairment from head trauma
- Adverse reaction to methylphenidate or other stimulants
- Contraindication to MRI
- Current smoking
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 3 weeks including washout
Participants receive a single oral dose of methylphenidate (10 mg or 15 mg) and matching placebo in a randomized crossover design separated by a one-week washout period.
2 visits (in-person) separated by one week
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21205
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristin L Bigos, PhD
R
Robyn Wiseman, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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