Transcranial infrared light to the prefrontal cortex for adults with ADHD
Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Cognition and Brain Metabolism in Adults With ADHD
NA · University of Texas at Austin · NCT07203092
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07203092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Prior small studies of transcranial photobiomodulation have reported improvements in cognition and prefrontal oxygenation, but randomized sham-controlled evidence specifically in ADHD is limited.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- 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 Disorder, ADHD, transcranial photobiomodulation, cognition, prefrontal cortex, brain metabolism