Understanding ADHD in children in Kenya and South Africa

3/3 Akili: Phenotypic and genetic characterization of ADHD in Kenya and South Africa

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN · NIH-11113911

This project is gathering information from children with and without ADHD in Kenya and South Africa to better understand the disorder's causes and how it affects them.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RONDEBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA)
Trial IDNIH-11113911 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project aims to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by collecting detailed information from 6,000 children in Kenya and South Africa. Researchers will work with 4,000 children diagnosed with ADHD and 2,000 children without the condition. Each child will provide a DNA sample and complete various tests to understand their behavior, thinking skills, and overall health. This comprehensive approach helps us explore the genetic and behavioral aspects of ADHD in a diverse population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children aged 0-11 years in Kenya and South Africa, both those with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and those without, are ideal candidates for this project.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct therapeutic interventions for ADHD will not receive direct benefit from participating in this foundational research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand the biological roots of ADHD, how it varies among individuals, and its connections to other brain-related conditions, potentially leading to improved ways to help children with ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: While genetic studies of ADHD exist, this project is unique in its large scale and focus on diverse ancestral populations, addressing current gaps in global ADHD research.

Where this research is happening

RONDEBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.