RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

ADHD Remote Technology and ADHD Transition: Predicting and Preventing Negative Outcomes

This study aims to understand and improve how young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) transition from their teenage years into adulthood. This can be a tricky time, especially as they move from child to adult healthcare services, where many struggle to get continued support. We want to find better ways to help them, focusing on preventing difficulties and encouraging healthy living. The project uses a special smartphone app called 'ART' to monitor daily activities, sleep patterns, and ask questions. We'll follow 250 young people aged 16-17 with ADHD for two years. Our goal is to use this information to create a new smartphone app that helps young people manage their ADHD, giving them more control and practical support.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

500

Start

17 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2028

Attention Deficit Hyerpactivity Disorder

What is this study about?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects how people pay attention, control impulses, and manage their activity levels. For many young people with ADHD, the period as they become young adults – typically between 16 and 17 years old – can be particularly challenging. This is a time of big life changes, like starting college, new responsibilities, and moving away from home, which can all put extra pressure on them.

A significant problem identified in the UK is that many young people with ADHD struggle to move from child mental health services to adult ADHD services. This often means they don't get the ongoing help and support they need just when they might need it most. We believe there's a real opportunity to improve this transition by understanding what's happening in their daily lives and finding ways to help them stay engaged with their healthcare.

This study, called ART-transition, uses new technology to help. We're using an approach called Remote Measurement Technology (RMT), which means we'll gather information without needing people to come into a clinic all the time. Instead, young people will use a special smartphone app called 'ART' on either their own phone or one we provide. This app will ask questions and passively monitor things like sleep patterns. By doing this, we hope to understand what changes affect young people with ADHD during this important time, what might lead to challenges, and how we can prevent negative experiences, helping them live healthier lives. We are also involving young people with ADHD in designing a new app to provide better, more personal support in the future.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on supporting teenagers with ADHD moving into adulthood.
Uses a smartphone app (‘ART’) and a wearable device for remote monitoring.
Aims to understand challenges and prevent negative outcomes during this transition.
Participants will help design a new support app for ADHD.
Involves 250 young people aged 16-17 over two years.
No new medications are given; it's an observational study.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to have a diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by a doctor, based on specific criteria (DSM-5). You must be aged 16 or 17 years old when you join the study. It's important that you feel able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part, as well as being comfortable using a smartphone to answer questions about yourself.

You'll need to be willing to use either your own smartphone (if it's an Android phone and works with our system) or a study-provided Android phone as your main phone during the data collection period. You also need to be happy to wear a special device, like a smartwatch, during this time. We also need a parent or guardian over 18, chosen by you, who is willing to complete some online questionnaires about you.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include if you have certain other mental health conditions like psychosis or severe depression, or if you've had recent contact with crisis mental health teams or an emergency department for psychiatric reasons in the last six months. We also can't include you if you have any major ongoing medical conditions that might stop you from your normal daily life, if you are pregnant, or if your IQ is below 70.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a diagnosis of ADHD from a doctor?
Are you currently 16 or 17 years old?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Are you happy to use a smartphone regularly for two years, and wear a tracking device?
Do you have a parent or guardian who will complete some online forms about you?
Do you NOT have serious mental health conditions like psychosis or severe depression?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be remotely monitored for two years. This means you won't need to attend many in-person appointments. Instead, you'll use a special smartphone app on either your own compatible Android phone or a study phone provided to you. This app will ask you to complete questionnaires regularly and will also quietly collect information about things like your sleep patterns. You will also wear a small, wearable device (similar to a fitness tracker) for a period of time to help us gather more information. You and a parent/guardian will also complete some online questionnaires. There are no new medications involved in this study; it's purely about monitoring and understanding experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. You'll contribute to important research that aims to improve support for young people with ADHD, potentially leading to better care in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own ADHD during the monitoring period. There are no major risks involved; the activities are generally low-risk, involving surveys and smartphone use. Your privacy will be protected, and all your data will be kept confidential. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your current or future healthcare.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It's a condition that can make it hard to focus, control impulses, and manage how active you are.

Why focus on 16-17 year olds?

This age is a time of big changes and can be challenging for young people with ADHD, especially as they move from children's to adult healthcare services.

What is the 'ART' app?

The 'ART' app is a smartphone application used in this study to ask questions and gather information about daily activities and sleep, all from your own phone.

Will I have to go to a clinic often?

No, this study uses 'remote' monitoring, meaning most of the data collection will happen through your smartphone and wearable device, so clinic visits will be minimal or not required.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and data collected during the study will be kept strictly confidential and secure.

How to find out more

Aislinn Bowler, PhD

art-transition@kcl.ac.uk 07503926683 Official trial record

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