Exploring how concussions affect attention in children with ADHD.
Official title: Concussion and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Investigating the relationship between cognitive outcome, prescription stimulants, and functional MRI biomarkers in the ABCD study.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11056126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how concussions might affect kids and teens with ADHD by using brain scans to see if their brain activity is different, which could help create better treatments for those struggling with attention issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,516 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NS123345-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-20 who have been diagnosed with ADHD or have experienced a concussion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ADHD or a history of concussion may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between concussions and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. It aims to identify distinct brain activity patterns using functional MRI to differentiate between children with ADHD and those with ADHD who have experienced a concussion. By leveraging data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, the research seeks to understand how brain injuries impact cognitive functions, particularly attention. The findings could lead to tailored treatments for children suffering from inattention due to these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, mechanism-specific treatments for children with ADHD and a history of concussion.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the cognitive impacts of concussions, but this specific approach of comparing ADHD with and without concussion is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kay, Benjamin Paul — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kay, Benjamin Paul
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.