Targeting brain waves to reduce cognitive challenges in ADHD

With this new funding, researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London will test whether a repetitive form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - a technology which can alter brain waves - can reduce thinking and attention difficulties associated with ADHD by targeting theta wave activity.

The findings will determine whether theta brain waves could be a target for future ADHD interventions, and may provide evidence for TMS as a new, drug-free intervention to support people with ADHD.

The study, led by Dr Gráinne McLoughlin at the IoPPN with co-investigators Professor Katya Rubia, Dr Luke Mason and Dr Máté Gyurkovics (now at University of East Anglia), will use the new Electroencephalography (EEG) Suite and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) facilities at the Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young People.

Brain waves are rhythmic patterns of neural activity in the brain which are thought to play a crucial role in the communication between brain cells (neurons), cognitive processes and overall brain function.

There are different types of brain waves which occur at different frequencies. When these waves are dysregulated, it can lead to cognitive or behavioural difficulties. These challenges are often seen in ADHD - in particular, cognitive control which allows people to regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours to achieve everyday goals.

The new funding will allow the researchers to explore how a specific type of brain wave (known as theta waves, which have a frequency of 4-8 Hertz) might be involved in the challenges faced by people with ADHD, and whether this could represent a new target for intervention.

They will investigate whether repetitive TMS can improve cognitive consistency in young adults with ADHD (ages 18 to 25), compared to neurotypical young adults, through targeting theta wave activity.

The research will take place at the new Clinical Research Facility at the Pears Maudsley Centre, which is set to be the leading facility in the UK dedicated to the investigation and treatment of mental health in children and young people. The Clinical Research Facility will be a space where children of all ages, from babies up to young adults, can participate in research to identify the root of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, and use this research to implement and monitor groundbreaking interventions.