NCT07145593

Gamma tACS in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Gamma Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Medipol University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity (ADHD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Application tACS- 80 Hz	In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at various gamma frequencies (80 Hz).The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4).
DEVICE	Application tACS -40 Hz	In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at gamma frequencies (40 Hz). The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4).
DEVICE	Application TACS - (6-80 Hz)	In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at theta- gamma coupling frequencies ( 6-80 Hz). The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4).
DEVICE	Application TACS- Individual Gamma Hz	In this study, a single 20-minute session of tACS will be administered over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at individual gamma frequencies . The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the 10-20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the right DLPFC (F4).
DEVICE	Application TACS- Sham	In this study, a single 20-min tACS session will be applied over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in a sham application. The anodal surface electrode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 of the 10-20 system) and the cathodal electrode will be placed over the right DLPFC (F4).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2027-12-30
• First posted: 2025-08-28
• Last updated: 2025-08-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)