Helping families manage emotions and conflicts in adolescents with ADHD
Official title: Improving Emotion Dysregulation and Interpersonal Conflict Among Families of Adolescents with ADHD
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11054329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful program called RELAX that uses smartphone apps to support families with teens who have ADHD, making it easier for them to manage emotions and reduce conflicts in daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,584 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH136333-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are families with adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of ADHD or those not involved in family dynamics may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the RELAX (Regulating Emotions Like An eXpert) intervention, which aims to assist families of adolescents with ADHD in improving emotional regulation and reducing interpersonal conflicts. The approach involves using smartphone apps to provide real-time support and skill rehearsal in everyday situations. By integrating ecological momentary intervention (EMI) techniques, the study seeks to empower families with practical tools to manage challenges associated with ADHD. Participants will engage in a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of this innovative intervention over a four-year period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved emotional regulation and better family dynamics for adolescents with ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using smartphone-based interventions for behavioral management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boljonis, Rosanna Breaux — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Boljonis, Rosanna Breaux
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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.