Neuroplasticity Technology for Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Both medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments for many children,
however, adherence to both medication and therapy regimes is low. Thus, identifying effective
adjunct treatments for ADHD is imperative.

Previous studies exploring computerized training programs as supplementary treatments have
targeted working memory or attention. However, many lines of research point to inhibitory
control (IC) playing a central role in ADHD pathophysiology. IC abnormalities in children
with ADHD have been evidenced both in behavioral performance on computerized tasks as well as
in the structure and function of neural systems known to support IC function. Furthermore,
these IC abnormalities have been linked to symptom severity.

Given findings that the most successful training interventions for children with ADHD are
those that have implemented IC training along wtih working memory or attention and previous
work demonstrating that IC is a central deficit for children with ADHD, it is surprising that
no studies have sought to investigate programs that specifically target IC. Investigators
hypothesize that training IC alone will decrease symptoms of ADHD, and information confirming
this hypothesis would contribute to making training regimens for children with ADHD efficient
by identifying the primary cognitive skill that requires intervention. To test this, they
administer a randomized control trial of either adaptive of non-adaptive stop signal reaction
time (SSRT) tasks to children with ADHD and assess effects of training on ADHD symptoms and
neural activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of inattentive or combined subtype ADHD by a licensed clinician and
consistent acess to Wi-Fi at home.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any known genetic abnormalities, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, or current
use of medication for psychiatric disorders other than ADHD (e.g. depression,
anxiety).