Transcranial infrared light to the prefrontal cortex for adults with ADHD
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Cognition and Brain Metabolism in Adults With ADHD
Run by University of Texas at Austin · NCT07203092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try using transcranial infrared light on the prefrontal cortex to see if it improves attention, impulse control, and working memory in adults with ADHD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07203092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18–44 with a medical diagnosis of ADHD who can attend three in-person sessions in Austin and either are on a stable ADHD medication regimen or are not taking medication.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, who received any photobiomodulation within the past five weeks, who cannot travel to Austin, or who have unstable ADHD medication changes are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This double-blind, sham-controlled trial randomizes adults aged 18–44 with a medical history of ADHD to receive either active or sham transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to the prefrontal cortex. Participants receive three weekly in-person sessions using a 1064 nm laser, with cognitive testing (continuous performance task and 2-back) performed at baseline and after the final session. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is recorded before and after treatment to measure prefrontal hemodynamics and connectivity, and ADHD symptoms are tracked with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale at baseline, post-treatment, and four-week follow-up. The protocol allows participants on stable ADHD medication regimens or not taking medication, and includes one remote follow-up visit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this noninvasive, non-drug approach could improve attention, impulse control, working memory, and reduce ADHD symptoms for some adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies of transcranial photobiomodulation have reported improvements in cognition and prefrontal oxygenation, but randomized sham-controlled evidence specifically in ADHD is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking * Adults of any sex * Age range: 18-44 years * Any ethnic/racial background * Medical history of ADHD * Participants may either be on a stable ADHD medication regimen (with no changes within two weeks prior to the study) or not taking medication. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently pregnancy * Any sham or active photobiomodulation treatment within the past five weeks.
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Ph.D.
- Email: UTBrainProject@gmail.com
- Phone: 512-537-5257
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.