Effect of Working Memory Training on ADHD Brain Function

Completed · Phase 3

Conditions studied: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Combined-subtype)

In brief

There is evidence both that computer-administered cognitive training can improve ADHD working memory deficits and that this type of training in non-ADHD enhances normal working memory ability by altering brain activity in prefrontal cortex and the parietal lobe. However, no study has characterized brain activity changes following working memory training in ADHD to understand what neural changes occur when cognitive deficits are remedied. This R21 exploratory study will examine the neural basis of cognitive training treatment gains in working memory, ADHD symptoms, and various other executive abilities. We will test the hypothesis that working memory training increases frontoparietal brain activation and examine other regions to see if there is any evidence for "neural compensation" (i.e., engagement of brain regions after training that are not normally recruited for task performance).

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02151396

Run by

Hartford Hospital

People needed

37

Starts

2009-07-01

Expected to finish

2013-02-01

Last updated by the study team

2014-05-30

Who can join

Age: 13 and older, up to 17. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Participants will be 13-17 years old and >6th grade English reading level to complete self-report evaluations (most are only available in English). ADHD-C participants must meet DSM-IV criteria (314.01).

You may not qualify if…

• Head injury sufficient to have caused >30 minutes lost consciousness; past or current CNS disease (e.g. stroke, MS, epilepsy or any repeated seizure history, tumor, etc) or brain lesion identified by MR (structural MR scans will be reviewed by a radiologist for the presence of clinical neuropathology that may affect cognitive task performance); Axis I DSM-IV lifetime history Bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, OCD, PTSD, Tourette's disorder, Pervasive developmental disorder (e.g., Autistic disorder, PDD NOS, etc.); current DSM-IV substance dependence, Major Depressive Disorder or anxiety disorder; hypertension or juvenile-onset diabetes (current treatment with antihypertensives or insulin); current pregnancy (menstruating females will be tested); IQ estimate <80; left-handedness; psychotropic medication other than common psychostimulants that act primarily on dopamine neurotransmission systems. For instance, ADHD-C medications such as Wellbutrin (Buproprion), Strattera (Atomoxetine HCl), Cylert (Pemoline), or Provigil (Modafinil) will exclude participation; report of psychotic illness in first degree relative. Note, current DSM-IV disorders serve as exclusionary criteria to avoid the possibility of acute brain activity differences related more greatly to these disorders than ADHD. These stringent exclusion criteria are an advantage over many previous ADHD studies. However, given the frequent comorbidity and suspected biological liability among ADHD, substance, mood, and anxiety disorders, a lifetime history of mood or anxiety disorders will not exclude participation. Likewise, the frequent occurrence of CD/ODD and specific learning disabilities will not exclude participation.

Where it is running

• Olin Neurospychiatry Research Center — Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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