Two studies by Trininy College are looking for participants
1.The Effects of a biofeedback-attentional training on adult ADHD patients
2.Functional Imaging and Event-Related Potential Study of Inhibitory Control in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult ADHD
1. The Effects of a biofeedback-attentional training on adult ADHD patients
In the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, they are conducting a study to examine the effects of a biofeedback-attentional training on adult ADHD patients . They are looking for adult, aged 18-50 years, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, to participate in this study. If you would like to participate or would like further information,please contact: Simona Salomone 01 896 8403, salomos@tcd.ie or Sophia Kilcullen 01 896 8403, sophia.kilcullen@gmail.com.
Information on Study
The study involves attending the Institute of Neuroscience for 3 sessions for cognitive as well as EEG/fMRI assessment. Other 2 or 3 additional training sessions will be needed. Before starting the study, patients will be fully informed about EEG/fMRI procedures. Moreover, subjects who agree to participate will be randomly assigned to a biofeedback training called Self-Alert Training (SAT) group and a standard attentional training group.
Participants in both groups will receive in the first session a baseline cognitive, psychological and EEG/fMRI assessment.
The self-alert training group will attend two/three training sessions providing psychoeducation regarding arousal and attention, demonstration of external control over attention using skin conductance response, and self-initiated control over the arousal response. They will identify goals for the application of this strategy to key situations in everyday life. Participants will then practice self-alerting over a 2 week period at home using a home Electrodermal Activity (EDA) device that includes a remote monitoring system. The participant will be contacted twice a week during this period and their progress reviewed. There will be a final top-up training session.
The standard attentional training group will attend for the same number of training sessions and be contacted by the research team but will carry out Nintendo DS ‘brain training exercises’ rather than self-alert training.
Both groups will be reassessed after 5 weeks (session 2) and 17 weeks (session 3) using the cognitive, psychological, EEG and fMRI measures.
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of attentional training for adult with ADHD aged form 18 y.o. to 50 y.o. on cognitive and mental abilities as well as how it impacts on daily life.
This study is the result of a collaboration between Trinity's research team, led by Professor Ian Robertson, in the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, and dott. Jessica Braham from San Patrick Hospital.
In this study we are seeking to identify some of the brain regions that may be involved in symptoms and cognitive difficulties associated with ADHD. To identify the brain regions involved, you will be asked to perform some tasks while we image your brain using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (described below). Prior to the imaging, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires and then practice the tasks so you will know what to do once in the scanner. The scanning will take approximately one hour.
The second part of the study involves performing a similar simple computer task while we measure electrical changes in your brain using an EEG cap. The EEG measures your brain's electrical activity by simple recorders called electrodes embedded in a cap which is placed on your head.This is a harmless tool, commonly used in this kind of research, which is not unpleasant or invasive and is not associated with risk of any kind. It takes approximately 30 minutes to apply the cap and electrodes and then you will be asked to complete approximately 40 minutes of computer testing.
As an incentive for performance all participants, certain tasks involve winning money (up to €40 total) which can increase or decrease according to your accuracy on the task. Further details of these rewards will be given during the tasks.
The study will take place at the MRI facility located at Trinity College Dublin. The whole session will take between 3-4 hours.
If you have any questions regarding this research, please feel free to contact Dr Jessica Bramham on 01 716 8656 or Dr Redmond O’Connell on 01 896 8403.
2.Functional Imaging and Event-Related Potential Study of Inhibitory Control in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult ADHD
