New Treatments & Clinical Trials for ADHD

ADHD affects about 10% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S., making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions. Treatment typically combines stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamine with behavioral therapy. Many people manage symptoms well with current treatments, though side effects and individual variation drive ongoing research.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing non-stimulant medications that work through different pathways, digital therapeutics that deliver behavioral interventions through apps and games, and treatments targeting specific symptoms like emotional dysregulation. Researchers are also studying ADHD in adults, where it's been historically understudied, and exploring how medication timing affects sleep and daily functioning.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on ADHD subtype, symptom severity, age, previous medication trials, and presence of other conditions like anxiety or depression.

What types of trials are currently open

• Medication trials — Testing new stimulant and non-stimulant drugs, different formulations that last longer or work faster, and combinations of medications.
• Digital intervention trials — Studies of apps, video games, and online programs designed to improve attention, organization, and impulse control through repeated practice.
• Behavioral therapy trials — Testing different forms of therapy, parent training programs, and school-based interventions to help manage ADHD symptoms.
• Symptom-specific trials — Focusing on individual challenges like emotional regulation, sleep problems, or executive function rather than ADHD as a whole.
• Long-term outcome studies — Following people with ADHD over years to understand how symptoms change, what predicts good outcomes, and the long-term effects of treatment.