NIMH K23: Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits

Launched by BRADLEY HOSPITAL · Dec 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the NIMH K23 study, is exploring ways to improve working memory in adolescents who have difficulties with it, often seen in conditions like ADHD. The researchers want to learn how non-invasive brain stimulation might help change the way certain parts of the brain work together to support better memory function. This study is important because working memory issues can impact daily life and overall well-being for many teens.

To participate, adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who struggle with working memory and have a diagnosis of ADHD may be eligible. Participants will not need to change their current treatment and will be compensated for their time in the study. They can also choose to withdraw from the study at any time. It's important to note that participants will be screened to ensure they do not have certain medical conditions that could complicate the study. This is a great opportunity for eligible teens to contribute to research that may help others facing similar challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Researchers will enroll a sample of adolescents (age 12-18 years) with working memory deficits and ADHD. Participation in this study will not require any adjustments to their clinical care. There are no costs to this study (participants compensated) and there are no expected long-term benefits to the participants. Participants will be compensated for each session. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time.
• • Inclusion Criteria
• • 1. Ability to provide assent and have parent provide parental permission
• • 2. English fluency of the participant and the legal guardian/parent
• • 3. 12-18 years
• • 4. Parent rating on BRIEF-2 Working Memory: Greater than 1.0 SD above normative mean.
• • 5. IQ \> 80
• • 6. Clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type, combined type, or unspecified type. Diagnostic criteria will be confirmed with NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales-Parent.
• Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be screened to exclude individuals with neurological or medical conditions that might confound the results, as well as to exclude participants in whom MRI or TMS might result in increased risk of side effects or complications. Common contraindications include metallic hardware in the body, cardiac pacemaker, patients with an implanted medication pumps or an intracardiac line, or prescription of medications known to lower seizure threshold. These account for the majority of the exclusion criteria listed below:
• • 1. Intracranial pathology from a known genetic disorder (e.g., NF1, tuberous sclerosis) or from acquired neurologic disease (e.g. stroke, tumor), cerebral palsy, history of severe head injury, or significant dysmorphology
• • 2. History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
• • 3. History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, or immediate (1st degree relative) family history epilepsy
• • 4. Any progressive (e.g., neurodegenerative) neurological disorder
• • 5. Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
• • 6. Contraindicated metal implants in the head, brain or spinal cord (excluding dental implants, braces or fillings)
• • 7. Non-removable makeup or piercings
• • 8. Pacemaker
• • 9. Implanted medication pump
• • 10. Vagal nerve stimulator
• • 11. Deep brain stimulator
• • 12. TENS unit (unless removed completely for the study)
• • 13. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
• • 14. Signs of increased intracranial pressure
• • 15. Intracranial lesion (including incidental finding on MRI)
• • 16. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness
• • 17. Substance abuse or dependence within past six months (i.e., DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria)
• • 18. Chronic treatment with prescription medications that decrease cortical seizure threshold, not including psychostimulant medication if deemed to be medically safe as part of the medical review process.
• • 19. Active psychosis or mania
• • 20. Current suicidal intent
• • 21. Current pregnancy
• • 22. Significant visual, hearing or speech impairment
• • 23. Current wards of the state