Overview
The investigators are investigating whether home-based tDCS over the course of four weeks can improve ADHD symptom severity and improve dysexecutive functioning (cognitive control). Further, the investigators are investigating whether there is a dose-dependent response to tDCS.
Description
This mechanistic clinical trial will be the first of its kind to assess the clinical and cognitive efficacy of tDCS, and its relationship to physiological target engagement. It will also provide critical knowledge about tDCS dosing in a therapeutic context (i.e. 30 days of daily tDCS). Last, it will assess the feasibility and acceptability of home-based neuromodulation therapies for ADHD, reducing the most significant obstacle for the implementation of devices therapies (i.e. daily visits to the hospital for several weeks) and facilitating access to advanced therapeutics to a large population of patients with ADHD. An additional goal of the proposed study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of home-based neuromodulation therapies for ADHD, reducing the most significant obstacle for the implementation of devices therapies (i.e. daily visits to the hospital for several weeks) and facilitating access to advanced therapeutics to a large population of patients with ADHD.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male and female outpatients 18-65 years of age
- A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD or meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Contraindication to tDCS: history or epilepsy, metallic implants in the head and neck, brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, VP shunt, pacemakers, pregnancy.
- Active substance dependence (except for tobacco).
- Pregnant or nursing females.
- Inability to participate in testing procedures.
- Premorbid neurological conditions (including neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's, AD and other dementias) and severe psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
