Accelerated iTBS Targeting of Working Memory Versus Inhibitory Control in Adolescent ADHD

Last updated: October 20, 2025
Sponsor: Bradley Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Williams Syndrome

Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd - Adults)

Treatment

intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)

Clinical Study ID

NCT07219810
2323018
  • Ages 12-18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The objective of this project is to examine the differential therapeutic effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS; a type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) to the left DLPFC versus right PreSMA in modulating working memory (WM) versus inhibitory control (IC) deficits. Fifty adolescents (12-18 years old) with parent-reported WM and IC deficits and diagnosed ADHD will be randomized to DLPFC or PreSMA targeted 3x-daily iTBS for a total of ten days (30 total sessions).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Age 12-18 years

  2. English fluency of participant and parent and able to provide informed consent/assent

  3. Clinical diagnosis of ADHD and confirmation of diagnostic criteria on the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Child and Adolescent Version (DIAMOND-KID)

  4. Parent rating on The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Second Edition (BRIEF-2), Parent Form: Working Memory scale T-Score > 60 AND Inhibition scale T-Score > 60

  5. IQ > 70

Exclusion Criteria

Participants will be screened to exclude individuals with neurological or medical conditions that might confound the results, as well as to exclude participants in whom MRI or TMS might result in increased risk of side effects or complications. Common contraindications include metallic hardware in the body, cardiac pacemaker, patients with an implanted medication pumps or an intracardiac line, or prescription of medications known to lower seizure threshold. These account for most of the exclusion criteria listed below:

  1. Intracranial pathology from a known genetic disorder (e.g., NF1, tuberous sclerosis) or from acquired neurologic disease (e.g. stroke, tumor), cerebral palsy, history of severe head injury, or significant dysmorphology

  2. History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures

  3. History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, or immediate (1st degree relative) family history epilepsy

  4. Any progressive (e.g., neurodegenerative) neurological disorder

  5. Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)

  6. Contraindicated metal implants in the head, brain or spinal cord (excluding dental implants or fillings)

  7. Non-removable makeup or piercings

  8. Pacemaker, implanted medication pump, or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

  9. Vagal nerve stimulator, deep brain stimulator, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit

  10. Signs of increased intracranial pressure

  11. Intracranial lesion

  12. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness

  13. Substance abuse or dependence within past six months (i.e., DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria)

  14. Chronic treatment with prescription medications that decrease cortical seizure threshold, not including psychostimulant medication if deemed to be medically safe as part of the medical review process.

  15. Active psychosis or mania

  16. Acute suicidal intent

  17. Current pregnancy

  18. Significant visual, hearing or speech impairment

  19. Dental braces

  20. Current wards of the state

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
Phase:
Study Start date:
September 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
September 01, 2029

Connect with a study center

  • E. P. Bradley Hospital

    East Providence 5221931, Rhode Island 5224323 02915
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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