Identifying genetic factors affecting ADHD treatment response

Pharmacogenomics of Stimulant Treatment Response in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Observational University of Calgary · NCT06221358

This study is trying to find out if certain genes affect how well kids and young adults with ADHD respond to a common medication called methylphenidate.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Calgary Academic / other
Locations1 site (Calgary, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT06221358 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Pharmacogenomics of Stimulant Treatment Response study aims to uncover genetic profiles that influence how children and adolescents respond to methylphenidate, a common medication for ADHD. By focusing on individuals aged 6 to 24, the study seeks to establish a connection between genetic markers and treatment outcomes, which could lead to more personalized and effective ADHD management. The research will also create a platform for discovering additional genetic and non-genetic factors that impact mental health treatment in young patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 6 to 24 with a primary diagnosis of ADHD who are starting treatment with methylphenidate.

Not a fit: Patients with co-occurring severe mental health disorders or those with specific medical histories may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more tailored ADHD treatments, improving efficacy and reducing side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While pharmacogenomic approaches in other areas of psychiatry have shown promise, this specific focus on ADHD treatment response is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients will be eligible for participation if all the following are true.

* Aged 6 - 24 years.
* Located in Western Canada (i.e., Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).
* Primary diagnosis of ADHD (all types).
* Starting Methylphenidate (excluding immediate release forms) treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients will be excluded from participation if any of the following are true.

* Co-occurring psychotic, bipolar or eating disorders.
* Significant risk of suicide.
* An intellectual disability, or diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or tics/Tourette disorders.
* Past 12-month high-risk alcohol or substance use defined as monthly or more frequent use.
* Psychotherapy or brain stimulation-based therapy initiated within 8 weeks of referral or plans to initiate/change these types of therapies during the study
* History of liver or bone marrow (hematopoietic cell) transplant as these events can result in ambiguous genomic results.

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta

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/ Hyperactivity DisorderChildrenAdolescentsADHDPharmacogeneticsNeurologyPsychostimulantsMethylphenidate
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.