Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating ADHD in Children
A recent study conducted by the University of Surrey in the UK and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has revealed promising results in using non-invasive brain stimulation as a treatment option for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. ADHD is a neurological condition that affects a person’s attention, activity levels, and impulsivity. It is estimated that around 5.2% of children worldwide have ADHD, which can manifest as difficulties with focus, memory, and self-control.
The researchers designed a clinical trial involving 23 children between the ages of six and twelve who had been diagnosed with ADHD but were not receiving medication for it. The aim was to investigate whether a novel form of brain stimulation, combined with cognitive training, could improve their symptoms. The treatment involved using a mild electrical current to stimulate the brain through two electrodes during cognitive training.
The results, soon to be published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, showed that after a two-week program of brain stimulation, 55% of the children demonstrated significant clinical improvements in their ADHD symptoms, as reported by their parents. This was in contrast to only 17% of the control group who received placebo brain stimulation during cognitive training.
What’s more, the study found that these improvements were sustained for at least three weeks after the treatment ended, with 64% of the participants reporting clinically meaningful responses to the therapy. In comparison, only 33% of the control group experienced similar outcomes. The researchers also noted changes in the children’s brain activity patterns that persisted even at the three-week follow-up.
Dr. Mor Nahum, the head of HU’s computerized neurotherapy lab and co-head of the study, described the findings as a crucial first step in offering new therapeutic options for ADHD. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to establish this approach as a viable therapy for ADHD, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder.
Cognitive neuroscience Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, who also co-led the research and heads the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, emphasized the importance of developing more effective and long-lasting treatments for ADHD. He believes that the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tRNS) and cognitive training, proven to be safe and with minimal side effects, has the potential to transform the lives of children and their families.
While medication can improve attention span and mood in children with ADHD, it often comes with side effects like headaches and loss of appetite. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore and test non-pharmacological interventions. The results from this proof-of-concept study suggest a promising alternative treatment pathway for pediatric ADHD.
The researchers plan to conduct a multi-center clinical trial with a larger sample soon. If successful, this innovative approach combining non-invasive brain stimulation with cognitive training could be approved as a medical device for ADHD by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This breakthrough study paves the way for a novel, safe, and non-invasive treatment option for ADHD. If further research supports these findings, it could benefit a large number of children and families affected by ADHD and potentially other neuro-developmental disorders as well. The study underscores the pressing need for developing and testing new interventions to improve the lives of individuals with ADHD.
