Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Treatment of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

NCT07652788 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025-A02038-41
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Treatment of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Conditions

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)

Keywords

stimulation;; transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS); Échelle ASRS

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Inattention Symptoms Assessed by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) from Baseline to Immediately After tDCS

  The efficacy of tDCS will be assessed by measuring the change in inattention symptoms using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). The ASRS is a self-report questionnaire used to evaluate ADHD symptoms in adults. A decrease in the ASRS inattention score indicates an improvement in inattention symptoms.

  Baseline and immediately after the last tDCS session

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Change in Processing Speed Assessed by the WAIS-IV Coding and Symbol Search Subtests

  Baseline, immediately after the last tDCS session, and 6 weeks after the last tDCS session

• Change in Working Memory Assessed by the WAIS-IV Digit Span Subtest

  Baseline, immediately after the last tDCS session, and 6 weeks after the last tDCS session

• Change in Selective Attention Assessed by the d2-R Test of Attention

  Baseline, immediately after the last tDCS session, and 6 weeks after the last tDCS session

• Change in Emotional Regulation Assessed by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - French Version (DERS-F)

  Baseline, immediately after the last tDCS session, and 6 weeks after the last tDCS session

• Change in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

  Baseline, immediately after the last tDCS session, and 6 weeks after the last tDCS session

Study Arms (2)

tDCS sham

SHAM COMPARATOR

The placebo (sham) treatment will follow an identical protocol in terms of session duration, frequency, and overall procedure. Stimulation will be simulated, with a brief ramp-up and ramp-down of current at the beginning and end of the session, without actual stimulation during the remainder of the session, in order to mimic the initial sensations of active tDCS.

Other: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

tactive tDCS

EXPERIMENTAL

Active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): 2 mA stimulation for 20 minutes. Repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): 5 in-person tDCS sessions Intensity: 2.0 mA Duration: 20 minutes per session Frequency: 5 consecutive days Electrode placement: anode at F3 and cathode at F4

Other: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Interventions

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) OTHER

Repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): 5 in-person tDCS sessions Intensity: 2.0 mA Duration: 20 minutes per session Frequency: 5 consecutive days Electrode placement: anode at F3 and cathode at F4

tDCS sham; tactive tDCS

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Adult patient aged 18 to 60 years inclusive
• Patient diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), combined or predominantly inattentive presentation, previously established by a healthcare professional
• Patients must be registered in the active caseload of the Adult Neurodevelopmental Disorders Unit (STNDA)
• Patient with a cognitive status deemed sufficient by the unit's referring psychiatrist to ensure appropriate completion of the scales and tests included in the protocol
• Free, informed, and written consent

You may not qualify if:

• General condition impairment (severe fatigue or marked weakness, convalescence after an acute illness or surgery, or recent alcohol consumption)
• Psychiatric and neurological disorders
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Diagnosis of personality disorder (Cluster A, B, C, or other), according to DSM-5-TR
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorders according to DSM-5-TR
• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder with manic episode or history of manic episodes according to DSM-5-TR
• Confirmed neurological disorder
• Epilepsy or history of epileptic seizures
• Medical comorbidities
• Patient with known or suspected cardiac disease
• Patient with severe pulmonary disease
• Patient with cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke)
• Dermatological and surgical contraindications
• Patient with scalp lesions, open wounds, or skin conditions (severe acne, herpes, burns, skin fissures)
• Patient with severe dermatitis, oozing eczema, or fragile scalp

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Centre Hospitalier St Anne: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Interventions

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Convulsive Therapy; Psychiatric Somatic Therapies; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Electroshock; Psychological Techniques

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Masking Details: Double (Participant, Investigator)
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: parallel assignment

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 21, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): February 20, 2028
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05