Binaural Beats for Adults with ADHD
Official title: Effects of Binaural Beats Stimulation on Attention and Memory in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Run by California State University, San Bernardino · NCT07793045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether a six-week program of music with embedded binaural beats helps adults with ADHD, compared to similar music without binaural beats.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | California State University, San Bernardino Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Bernardino, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07793045 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–55 with a prior ADHD diagnosis who are willing to wear headphones and attend all 12 sessions at CSUSB.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who do not respond to auditory stimulation or who cannot complete all sessions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 40 adults aged 18–55 with ADHD and assign them to a binaural beats group or a control group receiving music without binaural beats. Participants will attend 12 supervised 20-minute listening sessions over six weeks at CSUSB, with pre- and post-intervention cognitive assessments focused on attention, memory, and related abilities. The study will also measure session attendance, retention, heart rate, and blood pressure to assess feasibility and acceptability. No remote participation is available, and travel is not reimbursed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in attention and memory and gain insight into nonpharmacologic options for ADHD management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with binaural beats in ADHD is limited; this study explores feasibility and preliminary effects in a structured, controlled setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 18 to 55 years 2. Previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) made by a qualified healthcare professional and supported by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1) 3. Willing to wear headphones during the listening sessions 4. Able and willing to attend 12 listening sessions at the CSUSB campus conducted twice weekly over six weeks - Exclusion Criteria: 1. Anticipated absence from the study area for more than seven days during the two-month study period 2. Uncorrectable hearing impairment that would prevent adequate delivery of music through headphones 3. Acute psychiatric condition, such as depression 4. Intellectual or developmental disability that could interfere with study participation 5. Acute medical condition resulting in sensory impairment 6. Initiation of, or a change in dosage of, stimulant, antipsychotic, or analgesic medication within the previous month 7. Anticipated change in stimulant, antipsychotic, or analgesic medication during the study period
Where it's running
-
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhaojing Chen, Ph.D.
- Email: bbsinterventionproject@gmail.com
- Phone: 909-537-5358
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.