Clinical Research Directory

Development and Evaluation of a Digital Game Intervention Targeting Children Vulnerable to ADHD

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a self-administered digital game can improve attention, memory, and planning and reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children aged 6-12 in Hong Kong who have subclinical or vulnerable ADHD symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does playing a 30-minute digital game 5 times per week for 8 weeks improve sustained attention, memory, and planning? Does it reduce parent- and teacher-rated inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms compared with an active control game (Tetris)? Researchers will compare a first-wave group that receives the digital game first and then Tetris with a second-wave group that receives Tetris first and then the digital game, to see if the digital game produces greater improvements. Participants will: Be screened for subclinical ADHD using parent and teacher questionnaires. Play the "Lucky Panda" digital game or Tetris for 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks, then switch to the other activity for another 8 weeks. Complete computer-based tasks measuring attention, memory, and planning at three time points: before the study, after the first 8 weeks, and after the second 8 weeks. Have their parents and teachers complete ADHD symptom questionnaires at the same three time points. Have parents report their child's interest in the game, adherence, and other digital game habits. This study focuses on children with subclinical symptoms, not children already diagnosed with ADHD or receiving ADHD treatment. If effective, the game may offer an accessible early self-help intervention while families wait for professional care.

Symptom-specific Effects of Omega-3 Across Neurodevelopmental Symptoms

Our study aims to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can improve sleep, mood, and behavior in children with sleep problems and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or both. By using a transdiagnostic approach-focusing on specific symptoms rather than diagnostic labels-we aim to identify which children may benefit most from omega-3 supplementation, thereby enhancing inclusivity. Many previous studies have excluded children with both ASD and ADHD, or those without a formal diagnosis.

The Primary Objective of This Study is to Determine Whether Positively Framed Information (PFI) on Side Effects, Compared to Negatively Framed and Extensive Information (NFI) Can Reduce the Number and Severity of Reported Adverse Events Caused by ADHD Medication in Children Aged 7 to 17 Years.

The goal of this randomized controlled care evaluation is to determine whether positively framed and concise information (PFI), compared to negatively framed and extensive information (NFI) about adverse events can reduce the number and severity of reported adverse events caused by ADHD medication in children aged 7 to 17 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does PFI reduce the percentage of children suffering from decreased appetite in the first 4 weeks after starting medication compared to NFI? 2. Does PFI reduce the total number of adverse events compared to NFI? 3. Does PFI lower the total score on the Pittsburgh Side Effects Rating Scale (PSRS) compared to NFI? 4. Does PFI lead to higher parental satisfaction with the explanation of adverse events compared to NFI? 5. Does PFI reduce the number of patients who discontinue medication due to adverse events compared to NFI? 6. Does PFI decrease the number of patients needing melatonin for sleeping problems due to the use of methylphenidate compared to NFI? 7. What is the relationship between baseline factors such as age, ADHD or ADD diagnosis, and gender on the number of adverse events? Researchers will compare children who receive positively framed, concise information (PFI) to those who receive negatively framed, detailed information (NFI) to determine if the framing of information affects the prevalence and severity of reported side effects, medication adherence, and parental satisfaction. Participants in this study will: * Be randomly assigned to receive either PFI or NFI about the side effects of methylphenidate. * Start taking methylphenidate according to standard care protocols. * Complete a Pittsburgh Side Effects Rating Scale (PSRS) questionnaire 4 weeks after starting medication to report any adverse events and their severity. * Parents will provide feedback on satisfaction with the explanation of side effects using a short questionnaire. This trial aims to inform best practices for communicating potential side effects to improve medication adherence and the overall treatment experience for children with ADHD and their families.