Gamma tACS in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Medipol University

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity (ADHD)

Treatments: Device: Application tACS- 80 Hz; Device: Application TACS- Sham; Device: Application tACS -40 Hz; Device: Application TACS- Individual Gamma Hz; Device: Application TACS - (6-80 Hz)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07145593

E-10840098-202.3.02-4603

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Factorial Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 5 patient groups

80 Hz Group

Experimental group

Description:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 80 Hz gamma frequency will be applied to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Each session will last 20 minutes. A total of five sessions will be conducted.

Treatment:

Device: Application tACS- 80 Hz

6-80 Hz Group

Experimental group

Description:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 6-80 Hz theta- gamma frequency will be applied to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Each session will last 20 minutes. A total of five sessions will be conducted.

Treatment:

Device: Application TACS - (6-80 Hz)

Sham Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) sham will be applied to the the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Each session will last 20 minutes. A total of five sessions will be conducted.

Treatment:

Device: Application TACS- Sham

40 Hz Group

Experimental group

Description:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 40 Hz gamma frequency will be applied to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Each session will last 20 minutes. A total of five sessions will be conducted.

Treatment:

Device: Application tACS -40 Hz

Individual Gamma Group

Experimental group

Description:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at ındividual gamma frequency will be applied to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Each session will last 20 minutes. A total of five sessions will be conducted.

Treatment:

Device: Application TACS- Individual Gamma Hz