RecruitingInterventional

Co-development of a web-app for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects how people focus, manage energy, and cope with daily routines. Many young people find it hard to get support, especially when moving from child to adult services or facing long NHS waiting lists. The SmartADHD study, run by the University of Exeter, aims to bridge this gap. Researchers are creating a new web app packed with trusted advice, psychological support, and practical life tools. To ensure the app genuinely works, they want young people and healthcare professionals to help build it. Young people aged 16 to 30 who have ADHD or are waiting for an assessment can try out an early version of the app. Participants will share their honest feedback in group workshops or one-to-one chats, either online or in person. Taking part involves no medication and comes with a thank-you voucher.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2028

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

What is this study about?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can influence how you think, process information, and interact with the world around you. For young adults aged 16 to 30, managing ADHD can feel especially tough. Juggling studies, early careers, or living independently often coincides with the move from child services to adult healthcare. Long waiting times for an NHS assessment can leave many people feeling isolated without clear guidance.

To help solve this problem, researchers at the University of Exeter are developing a dedicated web app called SmartADHD. The aim is to provide safe, reliable advice, emotional support, and everyday practical tools that young people can access whenever they need them. Instead of researchers designing this alone, they want the app to be co-created by the people who will actually use it.

By taking part, you can test early versions of the app and tell the team what works, what feels confusing, and what features would help you most. The findings will help shape a finished digital tool designed to be rolled out across the NHS, making life easier for young people living with ADHD and the professionals who support them.

Key takeaways

Aims to create and test a supportive new web app for young people with ADHD.
Open to UK residents aged 16 to 30 who have ADHD or are on an assessment waiting list.
NHS healthcare workers with ADHD experience can also take part.
Involves trying out an app prototype and giving feedback online or in person.
No medication or clinical procedures are involved, and participants receive a voucher.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to young people aged 16 to 30 who live, study, or work in the UK. You can join if you already have a diagnosis of ADHD, or if you have been referred and are currently on an NHS waiting list for an assessment. You need to be able to try the app and share your thoughts, either independently or with a parent, carer, or supporter alongside you.

The study is also open to UK healthcare professionals working within the NHS. This includes doctors, nurses, practice staff, and service managers who have experience supporting patients with confirmed or suspected ADHD.

You cannot take part as a young person if you are younger than 16 or older than 30, if you do not live, study, or work in the UK, or if you are unable to test the app even with help from a supporter.

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.

Are you aged between 16 and 30 years old?
Do you have an ADHD diagnosis, or are you waiting for an ADHD assessment?
Do you live, study, or work in the UK?
Can you test an app and chat about your thoughts (on your own or with a supporter)?
Are you an NHS professional with experience in ADHD care? (Applies to healthcare staff route only)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part usually involves attending a single workshop or one-to-one session, which can be done online or in person at a local community venue. During the session, you will explore an early prototype of the SmartADHD web app on a phone, tablet, or computer. Researchers will ask you what you think of the design, how easy it is to use, and how it could be improved. You may also be invited to a short follow-up interview later on to share extra thoughts. There are no medical tests, blood samples, or medications involved, and your regular NHS care will carry on exactly as normal.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no physical risks involved in this study because it only looks at testing digital software. Talking about personal experiences with ADHD can sometimes bring up minor feelings of stress, but you can take breaks, skip questions, or leave the session whenever you wish. While testing the app may not treat your ADHD directly, you will receive a shopping voucher to thank you for your time and travel. Most importantly, your ideas will directly help improve digital support for other young people across the UK. You are completely free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University of Exeter
Approximate
Exeter, England

Common questions

Do I need to take any medication to join this study?

No. This study only involves testing a digital web app. There are no tablets, treatments, or medical procedures involved.

Can I take part if I do not have an official ADHD diagnosis yet?

Yes. As long as you are aged 16 to 30 and have been referred to an NHS waiting list for an ADHD assessment, you are very welcome to join.

Will taking part affect my place on the NHS waiting list?

Not at all. Taking part is completely separate from your NHS care. Your position on any waiting list and your relationship with your GP will not change.

Where do the testing sessions happen?

Sessions are designed to be flexible. You can choose to join an online workshop from home or attend an in-person session in a community space.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Yes. Young people and healthcare staff will receive a gift voucher as a warm thank-you for sharing their time, energy, and opinions.

How to find out more

Anna Price

a.price@exeter.ac.uk +44 1392 726026 Official trial record

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