Biological Subtyping On Reward Task Data in ADHD

Five year National Institute of Mental Health study of > 400 ADHD-diagnosed and non-ADHD teenagers – One of the largest of its kind ever to be funded. This paid study uses safe, non-invasive functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to measure brain function during tests of the brain’s reward system. The goal is to learn if Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder actually is a collection of different disorders that need different treatments.

Who Can participate? Participants must be ...
  • Between the ages of 13 and 18
  • Right-handed
  • Have a diagnosis of ADHD, or have no current psychiatric disorder. The only way we can better understand ADHD is to study teenagers both with and without ADHD.
  • If under age 18, parental permission is required
  • Certain other criteria, such as some medications or braces, may also apply.
  • Study participation includes a clinical interview, questionnaires, reward-based computer tasks, a saliva sample, and an fMRI brain scan.
  • The study consists of both virtual and in person visits, totaling 8-10 paid hours to complete all procedures.
  • Participants taking ADHD medications will be asked not to take them on the days of the brain scan and the reward tasks.
  • All information collected as part of the research is kept confidential.
 What will I do if I participate?
What do I get out of this?
  • Teens will be compensated at $20 per hour for their participation, plus a $30 bonus for completing all parts of the study. Additional money (up to $35) can be earned for certain reward-based tasks, depending on performance.
  • You also will get the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to the scientific understanding of ADHD, and ultimately to better ways of diagnosing and treating ADHD.
  • Plus, take home a picture of YOUR brain on a CD.
Call or email Julie Reid at Julie.Reid@hhchealth.org / (860) 545-7788 and ask about the research study on teenagers with ADHD.
If you are under 18, we will also want to speak with your parent.		 How do I get involved?

Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center