Resolving heterogeneity in transcranial electrical stimulation efficacy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuromodulation
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Pharmacological treatments dominate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) management.
• Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is emerging as a non-invasive neuromodulatory alternative.
• Existing meta-analyses suggest tES benefits ADHD-related cognitive deficits and symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review promising findings of tES for ADHD treatment.
• To identify key limitations hindering effective tES application in ADHD.
• To propose advanced solutions for optimizing tES in ADHD.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on tES for ADHD.
• Identification of protocol heterogeneity and patient-specific response factors.
• Exploration of machine learning for personalized tES protocols.

Main Results:

• tES demonstrates potential for improving inhibition and working memory in ADHD.
• tES may alleviate clinical symptoms associated with ADHD.
• Significant heterogeneity in tES protocols and patient responses are identified as major challenges.

Conclusions:

• tES offers a promising avenue for ADHD treatment, complementing existing therapies.
• Addressing protocol variability and patient-specific factors is crucial for maximizing tES efficacy.
• Machine learning presents a viable strategy to personalize tES for improved ADHD understanding, diagnosis, and treatment.