Adolescent ADHD Paid Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study to better understand hyperactivity in children with ADHD and how it changes when they take breaks from their medication.
Fast Facts
Children who take ‘medication holidays’ (days off from ADHD medication, such as on weekends or during school breaks)
6-11
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in children ages 6–11 to understand hyperactivity in ADHD, how it changes with medication, and how to measure it using smartwatch technology.
ADHD and a symptom called hyperactivity—which involves challenges with movement control, attention, and impulsivity—are linked to differences in brain systems that regulate activity, motivation, and self-control. Researchers are still learning how these differences appear in daily life and how they may change when children take or pause their ADHD medication (“medication holidays”).
Through the LemurDx study, we aim to better understand these patterns using smartwatch technology that passively collects information like movement, heart rate, and location. By combining this data with details about children’s activities and environments, we hope to create more accurate, real-world measures of hyperactivity.
Ultimately, the findings from this study could improve how ADHD is assessed and monitored, support the development of more personalized treatment strategies, and enhance the everyday lives of children and families affected by ADHD.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in children ages 6–11 to understand hyperactivity in ADHD, how it changes with medication, and how to measure it using smartwatch technology.
ADHD and a symptom called hyperactivity—which involves challenges with movement control, attention, and impulsivity—are linked to differences in brain systems that regulate activity, motivation, and self-control. Researchers are still learning how these differences appear in daily life and how they may change when children take or pause their ADHD medication (“medication holidays”).
Through the LemurDx study, we aim to better understand these patterns using smartwatch technology that passively collects information like movement, heart rate, and location. By combining this data with details about children’s activities and environments, we hope to create more accurate, real-world measures of hyperactivity.
Ultimately, the findings from this study could improve how ADHD is assessed and monitored, support the development of more personalized treatment strategies, and enhance the everyday lives of children and families affected by ADHD.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand how hyperactivity develops and changes in children with ADHD. We aim to better understand how the brain systems that regulate activity, attention, and motivation function in children with ADHD, and how these systems respond to stimulant medication. Hyperactivity is related to movement, energy levels, and behavior in different environments, and we will measure all of these using smartwatch technology and caregiver reports. We also want to see whether patterns in smartwatch data can help us identify when a child is on or off their medication. To do this, we are using neuroscience and engineering together to develop LemurDx, a tool that uses wearable sensors to capture real-world data and improve how ADHD symptoms are measured and understood.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 6–11
- Diagnosed with ADHD
- Currently prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD
- Takes “medication holidays” (days off from medication, such as weekends or school breaks)
- Lives with at least one caregiver who can participate in study activities
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or low-functioning autism spectrum disorder
- Serious medical or psychiatric conditions that could interfere with participation
- Inability to understand or complete study procedures in English (child or caregiver)
The entire study lasts approximately 2–3 weeks. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In the lab: 2 visits where your child will complete activities designed to measure hyperactivity and attention. Each visit includes wearing a smartwatch, completing school-like tasks (reading activities, exercise games, and free play), and answering questions about behavior and emotions. The first visit also includes instructions for using the smartwatch at home.
From home: Your child will wear the smartwatch during daily life for one week while you complete brief daily surveys about your child’s activities and experiences. Each survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. We will also ask your child’s teacher to complete a short survey about ADHD symptoms at the end of the week.
As a participant, you may receive up to $100.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.