Researchers Test Magnetic Pulses for ADHD

- The Calgary-based research is led by Dr. Kara Murias at the University of Calgary and is recruiting 80 youths aged 10-16 with ADHD, plus a control group of 20 without the condition. The study's goal is to move towards more personalized ADHD treatments by identifying the most effective brain regions to target for stimulation. - One of the specific TMS protocols being investigated in a related University of Calgary trial is theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a newer method that can be administered in shorter sessions. This trial involves daily sessions for four weeks. - Much of the research on TMS for ADHD focuses on stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This brain region is critical for executive functions such as working memory, planning, and impulse control, which are often areas of challenge for individuals with ADHD. - The magnetic pulses are thought to work by stimulating underactive neurons and enhancing the brain's ability to regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are strongly associated with ADHD. - While generally considered safe with mild and temporary side effects like headaches or scalp discomfort, TMS for adolescent ADHD is still considered investigational. - In the United States, the FDA has cleared TMS for treating major depressive disorder in adolescents aged 15 and older. However, it does not yet have FDA approval for the treatment of ADHD in any age group, making studies like the one in Calgary crucial for establishing its potential efficacy. - Another key researcher at the University of Calgary involved in neurostimulation and neuroimaging for neurodevelopmental disorders is Dr. Frank MacMaster. His work focuses on using these techniques to better understand the underlying mechanisms of conditions like ADHD to develop new treatment targets.