Neural markers that predict how kids with ADHD respond to CNS stimulants
Official title: Identification of Neural Markers of Aggression and Irritability and Their Capacity to Predict Treatment Response to CNS Stimulant Medication in Youth with ADHD
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11370254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at brain signals to see if they can predict which children with ADHD and aggression will benefit from stimulant medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $677,683 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with ADHD who also show aggressive behavior or irritability and are being considered for CNS stimulant treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Children without ADHD or without irritability/aggression, or those not considering stimulant treatment, may not benefit.
What this research studies
Many children with ADHD also struggle with impulsive aggression and irritability. The study will examine brain and behavioral markers to predict who will respond to stimulant treatment, aiming to tailor therapy and reduce the need for more intensive interventions. Researchers will use laboratory tasks and brain measurements to understand reinforcement learning and attention in youth with ADHD and irritability. By identifying predictors beyond symptoms, this work hopes to guide personalized treatment for affected children and families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to more precise treatment choices, improving behavior and reducing side effects for children with ADHD and irritability.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows brain and behavioral markers can relate to treatment response, but predictive accuracy for this specific group remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waxmonsky, James Gaier — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Waxmonsky, James Gaier
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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.