Investigating how methylphenidate affects brain activity in ADHD patients
Official title: Multimodal brain imaging of the neural effects of methylphenidate in patients with ADHD
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10988309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the ADHD medication methylphenidate affects brain activity in kids and teens, using special brain scans to see how different doses help with thinking tasks and brain chemistry, all to improve treatments for ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $579,583 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD who are considering or currently using methylphenidate as part of their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ADHD or those who are not within the pediatric or adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the effects of methylphenidate, a common medication for ADHD, on brain activity in children and adolescents. Using advanced brain imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), the study will assess how different doses of the medication influence cognitive tasks and brain chemistry. By understanding these neural changes, the research seeks to improve future ADHD treatments and provide insights into the condition's underlying mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored treatments for ADHD, minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using brain imaging techniques to understand the effects of ADHD medications, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bigos, Kristin L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bigos, Kristin L
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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.