Brain imaging to study the effects of methylphenidate in adults with ADHD

Multimodal Brain Imaging of the Neural Effects of Methylphenidate in Patients With ADHD

PHASE4 · Johns Hopkins University · NCT04781972

This study is testing how brain scans can help us understand how adults with ADHD respond to the medication methylphenidate compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University (other)
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT04781972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify neuroimaging biomarkers that can predict how patients with ADHD respond to methylphenidate treatment. It employs a double-blind crossover design where participants will receive both methylphenidate and a placebo, with their brain activity measured using functional MRI and brain chemistry assessed through magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The goal is to understand the neural changes associated with ADHD symptoms and treatment response, which could inform future pharmacological developments for the disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed adults diagnosed with ADHD - Combined Type.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have neurological disorders, or contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for patients with ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored neuroimaging in ADHD treatment but this specific approach using multimodal imaging with methylphenidate is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* right handed

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant or breast feeding
* past or current neurological disorder
* non-ADHD cause of cognitive impairment
* uncontrolled medical disorder
* head trauma with loss of consciousness in the last year or any evidence of functional impairment due to and persisting after head trauma
* having an adverse reaction to methylphenidate, or other stimulant medication
* having a contraindication to MRI
* current smoking

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: ADHD - Combined Type

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.