Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Testing ADHD treatment in incarcerated individuals

Official title: Benefits of In-prison OROS-methylphenidate vs. Placebo Treatment in Detained People With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University Hospital, Geneva · NCT05842330 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a medication for ADHD can help people in prison manage their symptoms and improve their behavior during and after their time behind bars.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 30, 2026
Study endsOctober 30, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT05842330 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who have a clinical diagnosis of ADHD and are fluent in French.

Probably not a fit

Patients with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders or those already receiving ADHD treatment may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OROS-methylphenidate compared to a placebo in treating ADHD symptoms among incarcerated individuals over a three-month period. The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design, assessing not only the core symptoms of ADHD but also the impact on behavior, recidivism rates, and medication adherence both during and after incarceration. Participants will receive cognitive-behavioral psycho-education while detained and have access to cognitive-behavioral therapy post-release. The study seeks to provide comprehensive evidence on the benefits of ADHD treatment in a prison setting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce ADHD symptoms and associated negative outcomes, including recidivism, in incarcerated individuals.

How similar studies have gone: While ADHD treatment in prison settings is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes for individuals with ADHD in various contexts.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 18 and 65
* good command of French
* stay in prison approx. 4 months at eligibility visit
* endorsing clinical diagnostic criteria for DSM-5 ADHD
* providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* presence of an acute uncontrolled comorbid psychiatric disorder
* medical contraindication to stimulant prescription
* potential adverse interaction with another medication
* already receive ADHD treatment

Where it's running

  • Geneva University Hospitals
    Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.