Role of theta brain waves in how kids control thoughts and actions

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study examines brain activity in youths aged 10 to 17 with ADHD, OCD, or no diagnosed condition. Participants will complete a behavioral task and undergo EEG and MRI/fMRI scans across 3 to 10 visits over up to a year to assess resting-state and task-related theta oscillations. The goal is to determine data quality, tolerability, and feasibility of the procedures, with future work potentially using EEG-synchronized rTMS to modulate theta activity and improve cognitive control. The study is conducted at the NIH Clinical Center and is led by NIMH, focusing on healthy volunteers and patient groups to better understand underlying brain mechanisms. Enrollment requires assent, parental consent, diagnostic criteria per DSM-5, IQ above 70, and normal or corrected vision.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

  1. Ability to provide informed assent and parent consent
  2. Age: 10-17 years
  3. ADHD Group: Diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-5 criteria

     OCD Group: Diagnosis of OCD based on DSM-5 criteria

     HV Group: No Neurological or Psychiatric diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria
  4. Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (WASI-II). WASI-II will be used as a measure of intellectual function. Children will be included when FSIQ \> 70.
  5. Normal or corrected to normal vision

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Participants will be screened to exclude participants in whom MRI or EEG might result in increased risk of side effects or complications or whose data would not be scientifically valid.

1. Non-English Speakers
2. Pregnancy
3. Any implant, prosthesis or alteration of the body that, in the opinion of the investigator, would be unsafe with MRI or EEG or that would produce an artifact that would compromise the integrity of data;
4. Active or History of psychosis, bipolar I disorder, Level 2 or 3 autism spectrum disorder, active severe substance use disorders (within the last month), have active suicidal intent or plan as detected on screening instruments;
5. Individuals currently taking stimulant medications who cannot tolerate being off their medication for up to 48 hours prior to the study visit and experience an exacerbation of symptoms that necessitates the resumption of medication prior to completion of the study visit.
6. Past or present medical or neurological condition, disease, disorder, genetic finding, or injury that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may significantly increase the potential risks of study participation, reduce or compromise a subject s ability to fully comply with all study requirements for the duration of the study or may compromise the integrity of the data.
7. For the HV group, any impairing current psychiatric diagnosis.

Where it's running

• National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
  Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lindsay M Oberman, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• Study coordinator: Lindsay M Oberman, Ph.D.
• Email: lindsay.oberman@nih.gov
• Phone: (301) 435-7962

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.