Gamma tACS in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Application tACS- 80 Hz, Application tACS -40 Hz, Application TACS - (6-80 Hz), Application TACS- Individual Gamma Hz.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity (ADHD). Basic parameters: 18 years — 40 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Gamma Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Overview
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms are often associated with impairments in executive functions and working memory, which are essential for goal-directed behavior and cognitive control. Deficits in these domains can significantly hinder individuals' academic, social, and daily functioning. Gamma oscillations (30-80 Hz) play a crucial role in cognitive integration, attention, and memory processes, and are thought to emerge from the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neuronal activity through rhythmic electrical currents. Recent studies suggest that gamma-frequency tACS applied to the prefrontal cortex can enhance cognitive performance and attentional processes. In individuals with ADHD, disrupted gamma connectivity and reduced regional gamma power have been associated with attentional deficits. Therefore, gamma tACS may modulate both regional activity and long-range functional connectivity, offering a promising neuromodulation strategy to alleviate ADHD symptoms. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the effects of bilateral gamma-frequency tACS applied to the prefrontal cortex on attention and executive function performance in individuals with ADHD. Changes in gamma oscillatory activity will be measured using EEG to assess the neurophysiological impacts of stimulation. The study seeks to evaluate whether gamma tACS can serve as a targeted, evidence-based intervention to address the neurofunctional deficits observed in ADHD, potentially offering a novel therapeutic approach.
Interventions
- Device Application tACS- 80 Hz
In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at various gamma frequencies (80 Hz).The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4). - Device Application tACS -40 Hz
In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at gamma frequencies (40 Hz). The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4). - Device Application TACS - (6-80 Hz)
In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at theta- gamma coupling frequencies ( 6-80 Hz). The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4). - Device Application TACS- Individual Gamma Hz
In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at individual gamma frequencies . The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4). - Device Application TACS- Sham
In this study, a single 20-min tACS session will be applied over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in a sham application. The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 of the 10-20 system) and the cathodal electrode will be placed over the right DLPFC (F4).
Primary outcome measures
- Öktem Verbal Memory Test [Time frame: Pre-tACS Baseline (prior to stimulation) / Post-tACS (within 30 minutes after stimulation)]
- Forward and Backward Digit Span [Time frame: Pre-tACS Baseline (prior to stimulation) / Post-tACS (within 30 minutes after stimulation)]
- Verbal fluency tests [Time frame: Pre-tACS Baseline (prior to stimulation) / Post-tACS (within 30 minutes after stimulation)]
- Resting State EEG and TASK EEG [Time frame: Pre-tACS Baseline (prior to stimulation) / Post-tACS (within 30 minutes after stimulation)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Being between 18 and 40 years of age
- Receiving an ADHD diagnosis
- Scoring above 25 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Being right-handed
Exclusion criteria
- Use of medications with sedative or stimulant effects
- Presence of metal brain implants or a pacemaker
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Medipol University Istanbul — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07145593 · E-10840098-202.3.02-4603