Single dose fMRI effects of Guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine in ADHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experimental fMRI study on the comparison of the brain function effects of a single dose of Guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine relative to placebo in children and adolescents with ADHD.
IRAS ID
231293
Contact name
Katya Rubia
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism of action of two recently licensed drugs for ADHD on brain function. We will compare the brain activation changes elicited by Guanfacine extended release (GXR; a non-stimulant drug) with the brain activation changes elicited by Lisdexamfetamine (LDX; a stimulant drug) and by placebo in 20 drug−naïve (or medication free for at least a year) patients with ADHD using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). For this purpose we intend to scan participants during their performance of tasks of attention, working memory, and inhibition, which we know from previous studies to elicit abnormal brain activation patterns in ADHD patients. We will recruit potential participants from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), GP practices, and community paediatricians, as well as through advertisement, social media, Trust consent for contact mechanism, ADHD support group websites, and newspaper adverts.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0472
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion