Noninvasive brain stimulation to improve impulse control in ADHD
ADHD PreSMART: ADHD PreSMA Response inhibition Therapy
This project tests whether short, repeated sessions of painless brain stimulation to a control area of the brain can help teens with ADHD reduce impulsive behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120990 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would come to the clinic for twice-daily sessions of a noninvasive brain stimulation technique (accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation, iTBS) aimed at the pre-supplementary motor area, a brain region involved in stopping actions. The early phase measures brain and behavioral markers (using TMS and EEG) to see if the stimulation changes inhibitory brain networks; a later phase looks at whether those changes improve real-world response control. Sessions are sham-controlled, meaning some people receive a placebo-like procedure so researchers can compare effects. The work builds on preliminary data suggesting these brain signals can be shifted by pre-SMA stimulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are teenagers with ADHD who continue to struggle with response inhibition or impulsive behavior despite usual treatments.
Not a fit: Very young children, adults outside the trial age range, people without ADHD, or those with medical exclusions such as implanted metal/electronic devices or uncontrolled seizures may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-drug, noninvasive way to reduce impulsivity and improve self-control in adolescents with ADHD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior TMS and EEG studies have shown that brain stimulation can change inhibitory network signals, but using accelerated iTBS targeted to the pre-SMA to improve ADHD symptoms is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Steve Wei — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wu, Steve Wei
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 below.