A recent study indicates that transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, could offer relief for children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research, a collaborative effort between the University of Surrey and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explored the efficacy of tRNS when used in conjunction with cognitive training.
The clinical trial, published in Translational Psychiatry, involved 23 newly diagnosed and unmedicated children aged 6 to 12. These children were recruited from referrals to an ADHD clinic by doctors, teachers, psychologists, or parents. Over a two-week period, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's computerised neurotherapy lab administered tRNS alongside cognitive training on weekdays. tRNS delivers a mild electrical current to the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp.
The results showed a notable difference between the treatment and control groups. According to parent reports, 55% of the children receiving tRNS exhibited "significant clinical improvement" in ADHD symptoms. In contrast, only 17% of the control group, which received placebo brain stimulation, showed similar improvement. Roi Cohen Kadosh, head of the School of Psychology and professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Surrey, emphasized the importance of developing more effective and longer-lasting treatments for ADHD.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, affects approximately 5% of children globally, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Symptoms include hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, and impulsiveness. The current treatment landscape often involves medication and behavioral therapies, but new approaches are needed to address the unmet needs of many patients.
Dr. Mor Nahum, co-lead of the study and head of the computerised neurotherapy lab at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, stated, "This is an important first step in offering new therapeutic options for ADHD." The researchers are now planning a larger clinical trial to further investigate the potential of tRNS and cognitive training. If successful, they aim to secure FDA approval for this approach as a medical device for ADHD.
"Future studies, with larger and more varied samples, should help establish this as a viable therapy for ADHD, and help us understand the underlying mechanisms of the disorder," added Dr. Nahum.
