The Center of Excellence in ADHD and Related Disorders supports both medical and laboratory studies which represent a critical link between basic and clinical science, often referred to as "translational research.” Translational research is that which can be quickly applied to practical patient treatment. Below is a sampling of studies that we have completed or are still conducting into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Clinical Trials

Our team of expert clinicians is dedicated to improving clinical care for children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. Our research efforts in pharmacogenomics, functional imaging, and psychiatric care converge in multifaceted clinical trials that transcend the boundaries between basic science and clinical treatment.

Rethinking Stimulants
We are reshaping the way children and adolescents are treated for ADHD, translating our accumulated evidence base and leadership in the field into clinical practice, clinician training, and treatment algorithms. Currently, most children who receive a diagnosis of ADHD undergo a trial-and-error process for finding their best treatment options, most often with a stimulant-first approach. However, the treatment landscape has evolved, and and our new PCORI-funded, multi-site trial is designed to address the glaring lack of evidence required to fine-tune treatment algorithms and personalize care.

Relevant Articles: Stimulants

Imaging Stimulant and Nonstimulant Treatments for ADHD
Since 2004 we have been conducting a series of studies that allowed us to examine the neurobiological basis for treatment response to stimulant and non-stimulant medications commonly used in treating children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. We are interested in how medication affects the brain and how brain changes affect behavior. We examine clinical factors in response to treatment, and we study the nature and developmental course of ADHD across the lifespan.

For more than 20 years, we have led the field in neuroimaging of medication effects in ADHD, examining the physiology and neurobiology of ADHD, what effects medications have on the brain, and how these effects link to behavioral changes.

Relevant Articles: Imaging

Our prior research suggests that effective non-stimulant treatments for ADHD act through key prefrontal regions that subserve inhibitory and executive functions, although different medications may achieve these effects via distinct mechanisms. We then looked at the effects of non-medication supplements using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a face go/no-go task to test the prefrontal mechanism of action of the medical food Vayarin in trials of Vayarin at New York University.

Neuropsychological and Clinical Correlate
Although Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) may represent a clinically meaningful condition with distinct underlying pathophysiology that differs from ADHD, research indicates that SCT is common among adults with ADHD. We will investigate treatment response of adults with ADHD and SCT to Vyvanse, a commonly prescribed medication that is FDA approved for treatment of ADHD. Individuals with SCT have been characterized as having the following symptoms:  1) prone to daydreaming instead of concentrating; 2) trouble staying alert/awake in boring situations; 3) being easily confused; 4) being easily bored; 5) feeling spacey/in a fog; 6) frequently feeling lethargic; 7) being underactive/having less energy than others; 8) being slow moving; and 9) not processing information quickly/accurately.

Relevant Articles: SCT

Immunological and Inflammatory Somatic Process in ADHD
We have been on the forefront looking at inflammatory processes in ADHD.

Relevant Articles: Immune Research

Ongoing Studies

Medications for ADHD
Our researchers are evaluating alternatives medications and other treatments, for children, adolescents, and/or adults, as detailed below.

We are currently enrolling children aged 4 years to 5 years and 9 months for a trial of medication for ADHD, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04781140. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Viloxazine (SPN-812) to see if its safety and efficacy is the same in preschool-aged children as it is in school-aged children. SPN-812 is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD in patients ages 6 and older.

Important inclusion criteria:

• Medically healthy
• Between 4 years and 5 years 9 months of age at the time of screening
• Attending a structured group activity appropriate to their age, such as preschool, kindergarten, sports, or structured childcare, where ADHD symptoms are impairing.
• Behavioral and supportive non-medication treatment has not worked well enough, and the child still has severe symptoms that require treatment.

Studies in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
We use non-invasive fMRI to take pictures of the brain while you perform simple tasks, which is like playing video games. This allows us to examine the differences in brain activation between individuals with and without ADHD, or before and during treatment with a medication. By examining differences in the processes used in decision-making and impulse control, we gain insight into the mechanisms of ADHD and the ways in which ADHD treatments affect the brain. The ultimate goal is to improve ADHD treatment selection by matching to individual patient characteristics.

There are no known dangers associated with fMRI. To participate, you or your child must be comfortable with small spaces, have no metal in the body that cannot be removed (i.e., metal plates, screws, or braces), and meet inclusion criteria for the study that you choose.

Genetics Studies
In partnership with the Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience at University of Illinois at Chicago, our researchers study the pharmacogenomics effects of ADHD treatments. We examine the characteristics of DNA donated by parents and children to determine predictors of treatment response and differences in symptom presentation.

We are also partnered with our colleagues at the University of Michigan, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami to investigate the genetic factors associated with methylphenidate metabolism, as we look for biomarkers that may one day predict who may be at risk for adverse effects of certain medications.

Behavioral Studies

We use a variety of research methods to examine the effects of behavioral interventions, or to elucidate the psychosocial correlates of ADHD.

For more information about our current studies, or to participate in research, contact our team

Our general inbox: adhd.research@mssm.edu

Beth Krone, PhD: Beth.Krone@mssm.edu

Isaac J. Wert, BA: isaac.wert@mssm.edu

For more information about clinical trials nation-wide, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov