AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Attachment Development and Learning in ADHD: The Role of Dopamine.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect how children focus, manage their impulses, and connect with people close to them. This study looks at the link between ADHD, a brain chemical called dopamine, and how children form emotional bonds with their parents or carers. During the trial, children take a standard 10 mg tablet of Rilatine, which is a common brand of methylphenidate already widely used for ADHD. Researchers then observe how the children complete interactive tasks, how they respond to reassurance from their parents, and how they seek support. Because Rilatine is already an approved and well-known treatment, the study is not testing a new medicine. Instead, it aims to uncover how dopamine treatments influence emotional development, trust, and family life. The findings may help doctors provide better, more rounded care for families living with ADHD.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

UZ Leuven

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2026

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is this study about?

ADHD is a common condition that affects attention, energy levels, and self-control. Beyond schoolwork and daily routines, ADHD can also shape how children build relationships with their families. Scientists believe that dopamine, an important chemical messenger in the brain that regulates motivation and reward, plays a major role in how we learn to trust others and seek comfort when we feel upset.

This study looks closely at whether supporting dopamine levels helps children with ADHD connect more easily with their parents or primary carers. The researchers are using Rilatine 10 mg, an established brand of methylphenidate that is already prescribed across the UK and Europe. By observing children after taking this standard tablet, the team hopes to see whether the medication makes it easier for them to recognise and respond to caring cues from their parents.

During the study sessions, children and parents take part in simple, game-like tasks together. The research team will track how children look for reassurance, how they learn to trust support, and how warm and sensitive family interactions are during these moments. This helps researchers measure relationship dynamics in real time.

Understanding these connections matters because most ADHD research focuses only on concentration and school performance. By learning how dopamine influences emotional bonds, doctors and psychologists hope to discover new ways to help young people feel secure, supported, and confident at home.

Key takeaways

Looks at how ADHD medicine influences parent-child trust and bonding.
Uses a standard 10 mg dose of Rilatine (methylphenidate), an established ADHD medication.
Involves simple, interactive tasks and questionnaires for both parent and child.
Aims to understand emotional wellbeing rather than just attention span.
Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for children who have ADHD, alongside their parents or primary carers. Both boys and girls can take part. Because the research explores family connections, a parent or guardian must be willing to attend and participate in the activities together with their child.

Children must be medically suitable to take a single, standard 10 mg tablet of methylphenidate. Those who have specific medical reasons not to take stimulant medication, or who have known allergies to ingredients in the tablet (such as lactose or wheat starch), may not be able to join.

A doctor or research nurse will review your child's health and medications before you join to make sure taking part is safe and appropriate for your family.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child has a diagnosis of ADHD.
A parent or main carer is able to attend the research appointment with the child.
My child is able and willing to swallow a small 7 mm tablet.
My child does not have a known allergy to lactose or wheat starch.
We feel comfortable taking part in gentle relationship and learning games together.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves attending a research visit with your child. During the visit, your child will be given a small 10 mg Rilatine tablet under careful medical supervision. You and your child will then spend time completing gentle computer tasks, problem-solving games, and interactive activities together. Researchers will observe how your child responds to your encouragement compared to neutral signals. You will also be asked to fill out short questionnaires about your family routines, your child's feelings, and how you communicate at home. The session typically lasts a few hours, and the research team will check in with you afterwards to ensure your child feels well. There are no long-term clinic stays required.

Potential risks and benefits

Your child may not receive any direct personal health benefits from taking part, but the findings will help scientists understand how ADHD treatments support family relationships. Rilatine is a well-studied medicine, but like all medications, it can sometimes cause mild, temporary side effects such as a reduced appetite, a slight headache, or feeling a bit jittery as the tablet wears off. The tasks are designed to be fun and low-stress, but your child might feel tired. You are completely free to take breaks or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and doing so will never affect your child's ordinary NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What is Rilatine?

Rilatine is a brand name for methylphenidate, a well-known medication commonly prescribed in the UK and Europe to help manage symptoms of ADHD.

Is this trial testing an experimental drug?

No. Rilatine is already an approved, licensed treatment. This study is exploring how the medicine affects emotional learning and bonding rather than testing its safety as a new drug.

Does a parent have to stay during the session?

Yes. The study looks at how children interact with their caregivers, so a parent or primary carer needs to be present to take part in the activities.

Does the tablet contain any allergens?

The tablet contains small amounts of lactose and wheat starch. If your child has coeliac disease or a dairy allergy, let the study team know beforehand.

Can we leave the study if our child feels uncomfortable?

Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You can stop the activities or leave the study at any point without any impact on your child's normal medical care.