Effects of Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Cognition and Brain Metabolism in Adults With ADHD
University of Texas at Austin
Summary
The investigators have previously shown that non-invasive methods of brain stimulation such as the administration of transcranial infrared light to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) can result in improvements to cognition and emotion as well as brain oxygenation. This method is called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). The investigators hypothesize that tPBM can improve cognition and brain oxygenation in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The investigators will investigate the effects of repeated tPBM sessions on cognitive functioning in adults with ADHD. Specifically, the investigators hypothesize that participants that receive tPBM will show improvements in response control, sustained attention, and working memory, as well as improvements in prefrontal hemodynamics and a reduction in ADHD symptoms.
Description
This will be a double-blind, sham-controlled study to evaluate the neurobehavioral and PFC neurometabolic effects of repeated tPBM sessions in adults with ADHD. Adults with a history of medically-diagnosed ADHD will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to two arms: (1) active tPBM or (2) sham tPBM. All participants will complete three in-person sessions and one remote follow-up visit conducted online. Participant will receive three weekly sessions of tPBM targeting the PFC using a 1064 nm laser. Cognitive performance will be assessed using the continuous performance task and 2-back ta…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–44 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking * Adults of any sex * Age range: 18-44 years * Any ethnic/racial background * Medical history of ADHD * Participants may either be on a stable ADHD medication regimen (with no changes within two weeks prior to the study) or not taking medication. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently pregnancy * Any sham or active photobiomodulation treatment within the past five weeks.
Interventions
- DeviceActive transcranial photobiomodulation
Active transcranial photobiomodulation to the forehead targeting prefrontal cortex involves administration of 1064-nm light delivered via laser with a 4 centimeter beam diameter and 250 mW/cm2 power density for 8 minutes per treatment.
- DeviceSham transcranial photobiomodulation
Identical procedure as active group, but without 1064-nm light emitted by the device.
Location
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin, Texas