Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

ADHD Remote Technology Study of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Medication Adherence

This study, called ART-CARMA, is for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It aims to understand how ADHD medication and daily physical activity might affect your risk of developing heart-related problems, like diabetes or heart disease. We’re also looking at why people take their ADHD medication, or why they might not. We’ll be using special phone apps and a wearable device (like a smartwatch) to gather information discreetly from your daily life over 12 months. This will help doctors learn how to give more personalised and effective ADHD treatment in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

600

Start

12 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2025

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Cardiovascular Diseases Medication Adherence

What is this study about?

Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sometimes experience other health issues. This study, called ART-CARMA, focuses on understanding the link between ADHD and the risk of developing certain heart and metabolic conditions, such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease. We know that adults with ADHD might have a higher chance of developing these sorts of problems. However, doctors don't yet have enough detailed information about how best to screen, diagnose, and help adults who have both ADHD and these other health concerns.

The main goals of ART-CARMA are two-fold. Firstly, we want to collect real-world, anonymous information from adults with ADHD about how their ADHD medication and their daily physical activity might, alone or together, influence these heart and metabolic risks. Secondly, we want to understand the patterns of how people take their ADHD medication and the reasons why they might stop taking it, all over a year-long period.

To do this, we're using a special system called 'ART' (ADHD Remote Technology) which works with a mobile health platform. This involves using apps on your smartphone and a wearable device, like a smartwatch, to collect information. This 'remote monitoring' means we can gather information from your daily life without you needing to come into a clinic often. We plan to include 300 adults who are waiting to start ADHD medication, and each participant can also include a close friend or family member. By collecting this information from your daily life, even before you start medication and for up to a year afterwards, we hope to learn how to make ADHD treatment more personal and effective for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study investigates ADHD, heart health, and medication use.
It uses smartphone apps and a special watch for remote monitoring.
Participation lasts for 12 months, mostly from home.
Aimed at adults with ADHD who are not yet on medication.
The goal is to improve personalised ADHD treatment.
Your data will be kept private and anonymous.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 60 years old who has been diagnosed with ADHD. It's important that you can understand the study details and agree to take part. You'll also need to be able to speak and understand English fluently.

During the study, you'll be asked to use a smartphone to complete some questionnaires. You'll need to be willing to use either your own compatible Android phone or a study-provided Android phone as your main phone throughout the study. You also need to be prepared to wear a special device, like a smartwatch, during this time. At the very start of the study, you shouldn't be taking any ADHD medication.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain mental health conditions like psychosis, or if you've recently had acute psychiatric care (like a crisis team visit) in the last six months. If you have other major medical conditions that might stop you from doing your usual daily activities, or if you are pregnant, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you later decide not to start ADHD medication after your diagnosis, or if your doctor decides not to prescribe it, you would not be able to continue in the study.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with ADHD?
Are you able to speak and understand English well?
Are you willing to use an Android smartphone and wear a special device?
Are you NOT currently taking ADHD medication?
Are you free from certain other serious health conditions or recent acute psychiatric care?

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

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll be involved for up to 12 months. You won't need to make frequent visits to a clinic. Instead, you'll use a special app on your smartphone and wear a device similar to a smartwatch. This technology will quietly gather information about your daily life, and you'll also be asked to answer questions using the app. This is all done remotely from your home. The study starts before you begin any ADHD medication, and continues after you start treatment, allowing us to see how things change over time. You will need to use an Android smartphone throughout the study. Your participation will involve using these devices and responding to questionnaires for the full 12-month period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer several potential benefits. It contributes valuable information that could help doctors understand ADHD and related health risks better, potentially leading to more personalised and effective treatments for others in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own health and medication patterns through participating. As with any study involving technology, there's always a small risk of technical issues, but the study team will provide support. All your personal data will be kept private and anonymous. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Vall d'Hebron Research Institute
Barcelona, Spain
King's College London
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is ADHD Remote Technology ('ART')?

ART is a special system that uses a smartphone app and a wearable device (like a smartwatch) to discreetly collect information about your daily life for the study.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be involved in the study for a total of 12 months.

Do I need my own smartphone?

Yes, you need to use an Android smartphone. You can use your own compatible one, or the study might provide one for you.

Will I need to go to a clinic?

No, this study uses remote monitoring, so you won't need to make frequent visits to a clinic.

What kind of information will be collected?

The study will collect anonymous information about your physical activity, how you take your ADHD medication, and your general well-being through questionnaires.