Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Biomarkers of ASD/ADHD and Factors Affecting Anxiety and Depression in Children and Young Adults

This study, called PUREMIND OS1/OS2, is designed to understand conditions like ADHD, autism, and DCD, and why some children and young adults develop anxiety and depression. It's a large, international project looking for early signs and influences on brain development and mental health from infancy to young adulthood. Researchers will collect information using brain scans, tests, and samples, hoping to find biological, environmental, and social factors. The goal is to improve how doctors prevent and treat these conditions in the future, providing more personalised care based on the data they gather.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

800

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

What is this study about?

This important study, known as PUREMIND, is exploring how conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) begin and develop. It also aims to understand why some children and young adults with these conditions are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. The researchers want to find very early signs and different factors – like our environment, lifestyle, and even our gut health – that might play a role.

The study is divided into two main parts. The first part, OS1, focuses on babies who might be at a higher chance of developing ASD or ADHD, often due to being born early or having complications at birth. By following these infants over several years, the researchers hope to spot early clues, even before 18 months of age, that could predict a later diagnosis. They'll use gentle brain scans, developmental checks, and samples like poo and wee to learn more.

The second part, OS2, involves children, teenagers, and young adults who already have a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, or DCD. For this group, the study aims to uncover the reasons behind anxiety and depression. By looking at how personal experiences, our bodies (like our genes and gut), and our brain all interact, the researchers hope to develop better, more tailored ways to prevent and help with these mental health difficulties.

Key takeaways

Helps understand ADHD, autism, and DCD development.
Explores causes of anxiety and depression in young people.
Looks for very early signs in babies.
Examines how environment, body, and brain interact.
Aims to create better, personalised mental health support.
Does not involve new treatments or medication changes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for participants across different age groups, depending on the part of the study. For babies (Observational Study 1, or OS1), they are inviting infants up to 12 months (corrected for prematurity) who were born very early, had complications at birth, or who were born full-term with no known risk factors (to act as a comparison group).

Babies would not be able to join OS1 if they have a known genetic condition or a physical problem that would make it very hard for them to take part in the assessments.

For children, teenagers, and young adults (Observational Study 2, or OS2), the study is open to those aged 5 to 25 years who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Developmental Coordination Disorder. You would need to be able to take part in the scheduled appointments. However, those with severe physical difficulties that prevent them from doing the tests, or who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, would not be able to join OS2.

Quick self-check

Are you a parent of a baby under 12 months (corrected age for prematurity)?
Was your baby born very early, had birth complications, or born full-term without issues?
Are you aged between 5 and 25 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
Can you attend regular appointments for the study?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study means different things depending on which part you join.

For babies in OS1, your child would have five visits to the study clinic over about three and a half years (at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 42 months of age). These visits would involve looking at your child's development, gentle brain scans (EEG and fNIRS), and collecting samples like poo and wee. You'd also be asked questions about your family history and your child's diet. No medication changes are involved.

For children, teenagers, and young adults in OS2, you would have appointments every three months over a total of nine months. These visits will include physical health checks, conversations about your well-being and environment, and activities to assess things like anxiety, depression, and thinking skills. Samples like poo and wee would also be collected. Again, this study does not involve changes to medication, and you can withdraw at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study will help us better understand the development of conditions like ADHD and autism, and what contributes to anxiety and depression in young people. This knowledge could lead to better early detection and more tailored support in the future. As with any study, there's a small chance of discomfort from some tests or the time commitment involved. You will, of course, have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Exeter
Exeter, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the PUREMIND study trying to find out?

It wants to find early clues for conditions like ADHD and autism, and understand why children and young adults with these conditions might also experience anxiety and depression.

Who can take part in the study?

It's open to babies under 12 months who are at risk or are typical, and also children, teenagers, and young adults (aged 5-25) with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or DCD.

What does 'observational study' mean?

It means researchers will collect information and watch what happens naturally over time, without giving any new treatments or medicines. They just observe.

Will I have to stop any current treatments?

No, this study does not involve changing any medication or treatments you are currently receiving.

How long will the study last if I join?

For babies, the study lasts about three and a half years with five visits. For older children and young adults, it lasts nine months with visits every three months.

How to find out more

Kim Chapman

k.chapman3@exeter.ac.uk +44(0) 1326 370400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.