Sports-ADHD

People with ADHD wanted for a 12-week intervention program 

The treatment of ADHD is based on multimodal therapy, with psychoeducation and stimulants currently recommended as the standard primary therapy. However, some patients do not respond to medication, or there are side effects, which highlights the need for alternative or complementary therapeutic approaches.

In a study funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), we are therefore investigating the extent to which sports and discussion groups can contribute as complementary or alternative therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ADHD. We are looking at their influence on ADHD symptoms in adolescents and young adults, as well as the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and individual factors that influence their effectiveness. The aim of the study is to better understand which of these approaches can be an effective supplement to the current standard therapy—in order to enable more individualized and effective treatment strategies for people with ADHD in the long term.

For the ADHD study, we are looking for adolescents and young adults 

• Aged between 16 and 24 
• With a clinical diagnosis/suspected diagnosis of ADHD
• Undergoing (outpatient) treatment in a psychiatric facility
• Willing to maintain their medication dosage throughout the study.

Exclusion criteria for participation are: 

• Presence of another mental disorder that requires priority treatment (e.g., psychosis, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, substance dependence, anorexia, bulimia)
• Neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy, MS) or a history of brain injury
• Serious cardiovascular problems

The detailed participation criteria will be clarified again by our study team during a detailed preliminary examination.

Participants will receive either

• a 12-week exercise intervention or 
• a 12-week discussion group,

 each of which will take place three times a week for 60 minutes in small groups. In addition, each participant will receive 30 minutes of psychoeducation once a week in the same small group.

They will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatment options.  Neither you nor the study team will know which treatment you are receiving. This ensures that the results of the study are handled in the same, unbiased manner.

In addition to participating in the 12-week intervention, there will be five additional test days (2-4 hours each).

The tests include:

• Questionnaires
• MRI (anatomical, functional)
• Blood tests (neurotransmitters, stress markers, epigenetics)
• Neuropsychological tests
• Sports tests to assess fitness (VO2max in maximum exercise test)
• Activity tracking with smartphone

In addition to your important contribution to research, you will receive an expense allowance of €30-50 per test appointment, a free performance diagnosis of your general fitness, your MRI images, and the results of the study.

For further non-binding information and if you are interested in participating in the study, simply fill out our contact form. You can also contact us by email at , or by phone at 0228-28716198.