A new study jointly conducted by the University of Surrey and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has shown that non-invasive brain stimulation combined with cognitive training could offer significant improvement in symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
The clinical trial involved 23 unmedicated children, aged between six and 12, with ADHD. After a two-week program involving transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), 55% of children showed notable clinical improvement in ADHD symptoms, according to parent reports.
This is compared to only 17% in a control group receiving sham (placebo) treatment. The study has been published in Translational Psychiatry.
Long-term Effects
Remarkably, these improvements were maintained three weeks after treatment had concluded.
At this follow-up point, 64% of children who had undergone real brain stimulation reported clinically meaningful responses, compared to 33% in the control group.
Expert Opinions
Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, co-lead of the study, stated, “The scientific community is duty-bound to investigate and develop more effective and longer-lasting treatments for ADHD.”
He expressed hope that the findings could “transform the lives of children and their families.”
Dr. Mor Nahum, co-lead and Head of the Computerized Neurotherapy Lab at the Hebrew University, said, “This is an important first step in offering new therapeutic options for ADHD.”
Why This Matters
ADHD affects approximately 5.2% of children globally and is characterized by difficulties with attention, activity, and impulsivity.
Current treatments often involve medication, which may have side effects such as headaches and loss of appetite.
Next Steps
The research team plans to initiate a multi-center clinical trial with a larger sample size. If successful, the FDA could approve this approach as a medical device for treating ADHD.
Implications
The study has far-reaching implications for treating ADHD, offering a potentially effective, non-pharmacological alternative.
Professor Itai Berger, who recruited the study participants, mentioned that if the results are replicated in future studies, this treatment could be promising not only for ADHD but for other neurodevelopmental disorders as well.
This study presents an exciting advancement in the search for alternative ADHD treatments, and it could revolutionize how the disorder is managed in the future.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
The study was published in Translational Psychiatry.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
