ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting around 8% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S. Standard treatment includes stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate, non-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine, and behavioral therapy. Most people find a combination that works, though side effects and coverage gaps remain common.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new formulations that last longer or have fewer side effects, non-stimulant drugs that work through different brain pathways, and digital therapeutics delivered through apps or video games. Researchers are also studying how ADHD intersects with sleep disorders, anxiety, and autism, and whether early intervention can change long-term outcomes.
Long-acting formulations
New versions of stimulants aim to cover a full day with one dose, reducing the need for midday pills at school or work. Some use skin patches or dissolvable films instead of pills.
Non-stimulant options
Drugs targeting norepinephrine and other pathways offer alternatives for people who don't tolerate stimulants or have heart conditions. Viloxazine was FDA-approved in 2021, and other candidates are in testing.
Digital therapeutics
Prescription video games and apps aim to improve attention through repeated tasks that train focus. The FDA cleared the first digital therapeutic for ADHD in children in 2020.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on age, ADHD subtype (inattentive, hyperactive, or combined), current or past medications, and whether other conditions like anxiety or learning disorders are present.
What types of trials are currently open
- Medication trials — Testing new stimulant formulations, non-stimulants, or combination drugs to see if they improve symptoms with fewer side effects or more convenient dosing.
- Digital therapeutic trials — Studies of apps, video games, or virtual reality programs designed to improve attention, working memory, or impulse control.
- Behavioral intervention trials — Testing new forms of therapy, coaching, or school-based programs to improve focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
- Comorbidity trials — Studies focused on treating ADHD alongside anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or autism, which often occur together.
- Biomarker studies — Research using brain imaging, genetics, or other tests to understand ADHD subtypes and predict which treatments will work for whom.
Recently added ADHD trials
A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Solriamfetol in Children With ADHD
This study is a Phase 3, multi-center, randomized, 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to assess the efficacy and safety of solriamfetol in children aged 6 to \<12 years with ADHD.
A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Solriamfetol in Adolescents With ADHD
This study is a Phase 3, multi-center, randomized, 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to assess the efficacy and safety of solriamfetol in adolescents aged 12 to \<18 years with ADHD.
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