Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both. The diagnosis of ADHD correlates with several negative outcomes during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, creating huge direct and indirect costs for the health system. The treatment of ADHD involves the use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches, and stimulant medications are the most commonly used. Although effective, stimulant medication presents several limitations, reducing long-term adherence. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory tool that has been shown to be effective for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous pilot studies applying tDCS in ADHD patients showed conflicting results, and were characterized by heterogeneous methodologies. This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of tDCS for improving attention in adult ADHD patients by using a more strict methodology, based on a pilot study from our group that showed promising results. Besides that, we aim at exploring the mechanisms of action involved in the effect by using genomic and neuroimaging approaches. By using a computational model, we will also measure the association between clinical response and electric field density propagated with the use of tDCS in brain regions involved in attentional tasks. This will be a phase II-III, parallel, with two intervention groups, randomized, placebo-controlled and double blind study. Only patients without current pharmacological treatment for ADHD will be included in order to evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS as an alternative treatment for the disorder. Patients will be randomized to receive tDCS stimulation with either active or sham home-based devices. The stimulation protocol will include one daily stimulation during the first 4 weeks, 2 weekly stimulations for the next 4 weeks, and one weekly stimulation over the last 4 weeks. After the end of the 12 weeks of stimulation, patients will be followed-up during 6 months in order to observe for how long the effects last. The primary outcome will be obtained after the first 4 weeks of stimulation, with the use of a scale that evaluates inattention symptoms. We hypothesize that the active tDCS will reduce inattention symptoms when compared to sham stimulation, and will result in an increased activation of brain regions related to attention performance. In exploratory analyses, by using genomic approaches, we will observe possible associations between treatment response and specific genes, gene pools and polygenic risk scores. In addition, a functional magnetic resonance imaging test will be performed at rest and during both a sustained attention task (Sustained Attention Test), and a working memory task (N-back Test). This will be performed in order to measure the effects of treatment in the activation of brain regions related to attention performance before and after the first 4 weeks of stimulation.
This study aims at evaluating the efficacy and safety of a home-based tDCS device when compared to a sham stimulation for improving attention in adult ADHD patients.