ADHD Program

The goal of the ADHD program is to advance our understanding of the environmental, genetic and physiological causes of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); to study problems of self-control (i.e., impulsivity), how to measure it on a behavioral and physiological level and develop new ways to increase the self-control; use results of basic research to develop novel and enhanced non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options; individualize treatments for specific subtypes of ADHD based on genetic, brain imaging and behavioral data; improve families' ability to understand and follow-through with treatment recommendations.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder, affecting behavior and daily functioning in 3 to 5 percent of school-aged children in the United States.

• Symptoms. Children may act quickly without thinking and interrupt others (impulsivity), fidget, have difficulty sitting still and staying on-task hyperactivity), or daydream and get easily sidetracked (inattention).
• Three types. ADHD is diagnosed as the hyperactive impulsive type (no significant inattention), inattentive type (no significant hyperactive impulsive behavior) or the combined type (both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).
• Other disorders. Children with ADHD can suffer from other psychological disorders,including depression, learning disorders, impulse control disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Adults may suffer from substance abuse.
• Life-long management. ADHD is a chronic illness requiring long-term treatment strategies.

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Revealing the inner workings of the brain

MIND researchers are using neuroimaging studies to better characterize abnormalities of brain function and circuitry associated with ADHD. Studies using functional neuroimaging (fMRI) in particular have revealed that the brains of people with ADHD are less efficient that those without the diagnosis.Brain imaging techniques also reveal that people with ADHD may use alternate brain regions and strategies to perform working memory tasks, such as a greater reliance on regions associated with visual and motor processing (e.g., visualizing a phone number in their head to remember it) than verbal strategies (e.g., repeating a phone number to oneself). Drug treatment improves behavior and cognitive performance but does not wholly “normalize” the brain.

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Exploring new treatment options

Treatment usually includes:

Behavioral therapy.  Traditional approaches to parent behavior therapy and classroom management rely on consistently rewarding desirable behavior and removing rewards for inappropriate behavior. New studies of the brain are allowing MIND researchers to take behavioral therapy for ADHD to the next level. They hope to identify how to deliver rewards in ways that increase self-control and engage brain regions (e.g., prefrontal cortex) associated with stopping impulsive acts. To help children with ADHD succeed in the classroom, the MIND Institute team is committed to developing educational strategies that are consistent with the natural processing strategies of individuals with ADHD.

Drug therapy.  Stimulants have long been used to treat ADHD. However, 20 percent of children receive no benefit from these drugs or suffer side effects that limit their use. MIND Institute researchers are conducting clinical trials  of novel drugs and new treatment regimens using existing drugs.

Novel treatment. New treatments are being tested routinely. The MIND Institute is currently testing the use of computerized working memory programs on academic functioning. We are also testing the use of telemedicine to deliver parent training services in the goal of reaching families in remote areas.

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Raising awareness, establishing community

From recognizing symptoms to evaluating treatment options, raising awareness about ADHD is the key to early diagnosis and effective treatment. The ADHD Program strives to serve as an information and training resource for parents, physicians and teachers. The research team is building a community of patients who can support one another and contribute to the MIND Institute’s mission to better understand and treat ADHD.

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Current clinical research studies

Mapping Impulsivity’s Neurodevelopmental Trajectory (MINT) - Study ID 100161

Study Coordinators:  Arthur Hartanto and Erin Calfee, (916) 703-0294, ADHD@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

• The UC Davis MIND Institute is conducting a research study to learn about how teen brains develop, and we want your help! Recent research suggests that a lot of new learning and brain development occurs during the ages of 12 to 23 years and we are trying to understand more about these exciting changes.
• We are looking for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 23 who are Typically Developing or have ADHD. Here is what you can expect:
  • Participants will receive psychological, IQ, and academic testing
  • Participants will play computer games during brain imaging (fMRI)
  • Participants AND parents will be compensated for their time with gift cards or checks (up to $400)
  • 2-4 visits a year for up to 4 years (We’re collecting longitudinal data)
  • Weekend and evening appointments are available! 

Lisdexamfetamine Effect in ADHD (LEIA) – Study ID 100159

Study Coordinators:  Arthur Hartanto and Kyle Rutledge, (916) 703-0294, ADHD@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

• The UC Davis MIND Institute is conducting a study for participants ages 12-25 years to better understand how the medication used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder works.
• This project will help us understand how medication can improve your brain functioning and a better understanding of ADHD. Participants will:
  • Receive FDA Approved study medications at no cost
  • Receive check-ups to monitor effects
  • Be assessed for possible disorders
  • Be compensated for their time
  • Participate in the study from 13-18 weeks
  • Weekend and evening appointments are available!!

Identifying Cognitive and Neural Risk Factors for Substance Dependence in ADHD

Principal Investigator: Catherine Fassbender, Ph.D. (916) 703-0294

• Individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are needed for a research study being conducted at the UC Davis MIND Institute. We are working to better understand how individuals with ADHD use unique ways to solve attention and cognitive problems
  • Looking for participants between the ages of 18-50
  • Perform computerized cognitive tasks while we use brain imaging
  • Receive compensation for your time (4-8 hours over 2-4 visits)
  • Flexible scheduling accommodations

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Resources

• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
• CHADD - Northern California 
• Great Schools
• Healthy Children
• International Dyslexia Association
• Learning Disabilities Association of America 
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Resource Center on ADHD
• Northern California Branch International Dyslexia Association 
• UC Davis MIND Institute Resource Center
• U.S. Department of Education

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Giving Opportunity

The clinical and research activities of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Program are funded through philanthropic, local and government grants.  We welcome private contributions to help fund the development of our clinical programs and research activities to help us find better ways to address issues of attention and self-control that impact individuals and families with ADHD and other disorders that involve problems with attention, memory and self-control.

To donate, please go to the Health Systems' Online Donation Form and designate “ADHD – UC Davis MIND Institute” in the “special instructions for this gift”.

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