Investigating how methylphenidate affects brain activity in ADHD patients

Multimodal brain imaging of the neural effects of methylphenidate in patients with ADHD

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10988309

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10988309 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD who are considering or currently using methylphenidate as part of their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have ADHD or those who are not within the pediatric or adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.