Home-based brain stimulation for treating ADHD

Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Treatment of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05354232

This study tests whether a home-based brain stimulation treatment can help people with ADHD feel better and improve their focus over four weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlestown, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05354232 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over four weeks to improve symptoms of ADHD and cognitive control. It aims to determine the relationship between tDCS dosage and therapeutic outcomes, while also assessing the feasibility and acceptability of this home-based approach. By eliminating the need for daily hospital visits, the study seeks to enhance access to advanced treatment options for a broader population of ADHD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are outpatients aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to tDCS, severe psychiatric disorders, or significant neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a convenient and effective treatment option for individuals with ADHD, improving their daily functioning and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of home-based tDCS for ADHD, similar neuromodulation techniques have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female outpatients 18-65 years of age
2. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD or meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to tDCS: history or epilepsy, metallic implants in the head and neck, brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, VP shunt, pacemakers, pregnancy.
2. Active substance dependence (except for tobacco).
3. Pregnant or nursing females.
4. Inability to participate in testing procedures.
5. Premorbid neurological conditions (including neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's, AD and other dementias) and severe psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).

Where this trial is running

Charlestown, Massachusetts

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.
Conditions Attention Deficit DisorderAttention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.