CompletedInterventional

fMRI neurofeedback as a novel treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult for young people to concentrate, sit still, and control impulses. While medications help many children, they do not work for everyone and can cause unwanted side effects. Researchers at King's College London are testing a drug-free alternative called real-time fMRI neurofeedback. In this study, boys aged 10 to 18 lie in an MRI scanner and watch their brain activity on a screen. Through simple mental exercises, they practice boosting activity in brain areas responsible for self-control. Half of the participants receive real brain training, while the other half receive a dummy (placebo) version to ensure the results are accurate. Taking part involves about seven visits over six months. The researchers hope to discover whether this brain training offers a lasting way to manage ADHD symptoms without medication side effects.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London (UK)

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Nov 2017

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2020

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is this study about?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects how the brain manages attention, activity levels, and impulsive behaviour. The standard treatment for moderate to severe ADHD is stimulant medication. While these medicines can be very helpful, they can also cause side effects like poor sleep or reduced appetite. Furthermore, they do not cure ADHD, and many families prefer non-drug alternatives.

Scientists know that ADHD is linked to lower activity in specific brain networks that manage self-control. This study investigates whether children can be trained to increase this brain activity themselves. Participants use a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (fMRI-NF). The MRI scanner acts like a brain mirror, showing participants their brain activity in real time. By practicing mental strategies, participants learn to strengthen these focus networks, much like exercising a muscle.

This trial aims to confirm whether learning to control these brain areas leads to real improvements in ADHD symptoms, thinking skills, and school life. Because neurofeedback works directly with the brain's natural ability to learn, any benefits could potentially last long after the training ends, without the side effects linked to medication.

Key takeaways

Tests a drug-free brain-training method using safe MRI scans for boys with ADHD aged 10 to 18.
Aims to help young people learn how to boost brain networks involved in self-control and attention.
Involves roughly seven hospital visits over six months, including four scan sessions over two weeks.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the real brain-training group or a dummy comparison group.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive and has no known medical side effects.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for boys aged between 10 and 18 who have a formal diagnosis of ADHD. Participants can either be completely new to ADHD medication or currently taking their normal, steady dose. A general learning ability (IQ) score of 80 or above is also required, which the team can check using standard puzzle and reasoning tests.

The trial is not suitable for boys with certain other conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or severe depression. This helps the researchers understand the specific effects of the training on ADHD alone.

Because the training takes place inside an MRI scanner, participants must also be safe to have an MRI. This means they cannot have metal implants, pacemakers, or severe claustrophobia that would make lying inside the scanner uncomfortable.

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.

Male aged between 10 and 18 years old
Has a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD
Not on ADHD medication, OR taking a stable dose that is not changing
Does not have a diagnosis of autism, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
Able and safe to lie still inside an MRI scanner (no metal implants or severe claustrophobia)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts around six months and involves approximately seven hospital visits in total. First, you and your child attend an initial assessment to check eligibility, answer questionnaires, and complete some thinking tasks. Next, your child attends four brain-training sessions spread across two weeks. Each scan session lasts about an hour, broken down into short, manageable practice games lasting around 7.5 minutes each.

Participants are randomly placed into one of two groups: one receives active brain training, while the other receives dummy feedback for scientific comparison. Your child can stay on their usual medication, although the team may ask if it is okay to briefly pause it for 24 hours before thinking tests. Finally, there are two follow-up visits—one right after the training and another six months later—to see if any positive changes have lasted.

Potential risks and benefits

Participants in the active group may see improvements in their attention span, impulse control, and daily ADHD symptoms, though improvements cannot be guaranteed for every child. Taking part also helps scientists develop better non-drug treatments for other young people in the future. MRI scans and neurofeedback do not use radiation, have no known physical side effects, and are completely painless. However, scanners are noisy, and some children may find lying still challenging. Some survey questions might feel personal. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw your child at any time without giving a reason and without affecting their regular NHS care.

Locations (1)

King's College London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

Is the MRI scanner safe and will it hurt?

MRI scans are completely painless and safe. They use magnetic fields rather than radiation. The machine makes loud knocking noises, but your child will be given headphones or earplugs to protect their ears.

Will my child definitely receive the real brain training?

Not necessarily. To make sure the study is scientifically fair, half of the boys receive real feedback and half receive dummy feedback. A computer randomly decides who goes into which group.

Does my child have to stop taking his regular ADHD medication?

No. Boys on a stable dose of ADHD medicine can continue taking it throughout the study. The researchers may only ask for an optional 24-hour break before test days.

What does neurofeedback training actually feel like?

It feels very much like playing a simple video game or completing a puzzle using focus and thoughts while watching a screen inside the scanner.

Can we drop out if my child does not like the scanner?

Yes. You and your child can change your minds and stop taking part at any point, and your standard NHS medical care will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Katya Rubia

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.