Research

Chemical Sciences

Title :

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS on cognitive function, symptoms and functioning in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD A Randomised Controlled Study

Area of Research :

Chemical Sciences

Focus Area :

Cognitive Neuroscience

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Bichitra Nanda Patra, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (110029)

Co-PI:

Dr. Rachna Bhargava, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (110029), Dr. Rajesh Sagar, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (110029), Dr. Rohit Verma, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (110029)

Contact info :

Total Budget (INR):

50,85,170

Details

Executive Summary :

ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition, is prevalent in children and adolescents, with a prevalence of 11.32 in primary school children and 6 in children aged 10-15 years. It is associated with poor academic performance, social skills, depression, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior. Despite the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents like Methylphenidate, these medications have side effects, such as decreased appetite and weight loss. Nonpharmacological interventions, such as brain stimulation methods like repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have been found to improve cognitive functions in various neuropsychiatric disorders. This study hypothesizes that activation-based tDCS can improve cognitive functions, symptoms, and functioning in children and adolescents with ADHD. The study will divide 126 participants into two groups, one receiving active tDCS therapy and another receiving sham therapy. Participants will be assessed on clinical parameters and executive function tests before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine if add-on transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS has beneficial effects on cognitive function and symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Equipments :

Organizations involved