External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Versus Sham Stimulation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents Aged 7-17 Years: Study Protocol for a Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial
The investigators will assess the use of the Monarch eTNS device as a non-pharmacological treatment for patients aged 7 to 17 years with ADHD. The investigators will compare the eTNS device to a sham device. Participants will use the device for four weeks during night time. During the trial, participants will receive different questionaires to assess symptoms and will also keep a logbook to record their experience with the device. At the end of trial, the investigators will assess what the families thought of the device, and whether it is indeed feasible to further explore the effect of the device in a larger clinical trial.
• 7 to 17 years of age at the time of study enrollment.
• A clinical diagnosis of ADHD according to criteria for ICD-10: F90.0, F91.0, F90.8, F90.9, F98.8C. The ADHD diagnosis must be verified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) using The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children (K-SADS).
• A score above 24 on the ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) at baseline.
• Signed informed consent from parents/legal caretakers and from the patients aged ≥ 15.
⁃ We will include treatment-naïve patients, patients who previously have received stimulant medication, and patients in stable, ongoing stimulant medication (methylphenidate or dexamphetamines/lisdexamphetamine) during the time of the trial.