AzTrials
AzTrials

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderADHD EffectNCT05874791

Executive Control Training for Adolescents With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial

A study testing Goal Management training in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Executive Dysfunction, run by Sykehuset Innlandet HF at 2 sites in Norway.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate an evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment alternative: Goal Management Training (GMT) for adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The main questions we aim to answer are: 1. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 12 to 18 years
What is being tested?
Goal Management training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
120 participants
Where
2 sitesNorway
Study dates
15 Sep 2023to 30 Dec 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 12 to 18 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adolescents with a diagnosis of ADHD (ICD-10, DSM-5).
  • Aged 12-18 years. We will include irrespective of concurrent or previous pharmacological treatment.

Who cannot join

  • Severe depression, suicidality, psychosis, bipolar disorder without stable medication and current substance abuse
  • Organic brain injury or verified neurological disease (3) cognitive or medical impairments that have affected or are affecting the capacity to attend regular school.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Norway2 sites
  • Innlandet hospital trust

    Brumunddal, Brumunddal, 2380

  • Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital

    Oslo, Oslo, 0440

Other trials in Norway

About this study

Official title: Executive Control Training for Adolescents With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate an evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment alternative: Goal Management Training (GMT) for adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The main questions we aim to answer are:

  1. Is GMT more effective than Treatment as Usual (TAU) in improving executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD?
  2. Is GMT more effective than TAU in improving emotional health and social functioning in adolescents with ADHD?
  3. Which clinical or cognitive characteristics are associated with treatment response?
  4. Do medication, age, gender, and functional status at intake influence treatment response and long-term outcomes?
  5. Are genetic (e.g. polygenic risk scores) and brain imaging data (e.g. estimates of brain maturation based on structural MRI or resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain connectivity) relevant clinical predictors for treatment response and long-term outcomes?
Read the detailed description

ADHD is characterized by impaired executive functions (EFs). EFs are brain functions that allow us to direct our attention, retain relevant information, and ignore distractions in order to achieve our daily goals. Impairments in EF are associated with poorer academic achievement and vocational functioning, psychopathology symptoms, emotional and social problems, as well as lower quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD. Furthermore, pharmacological treatment has not been shown to significantly improve EF difficulties, and there is still a considerable knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatment for ADHD. Additionally, the research is often limited by short follow-up periods and few outcome measures.

We propose a randomized controlled trial, comparing a seven-week non-pharmacological cognitive remediation program designed to improve EFs; Goal Management Training (GMT), to treatment-as-usual (TAU) for 120 adolescents with ADHD. The primary outcome is executive function behaviors in the school and home environments (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2, parent report). Secondary outcomes include neuropsychological tests, mental health, quality of life, and social deficit symptoms. Participants will be assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks, and 12- and 24 months post-treatment. In addition, we will collect biological samples and brain MRI data in a sub-sample, which will allow us to test whether genetic (e.g. polygenic scores) and brain imaging data collected at baseline (e.g. estimates of brain maturation based on structural MRI or resting-state fMRI brain connectivity) are relevant clinical predictors for treatment response and long-term outcomes. If sample size allows, these analyses will be purely exploratory, and the relevant measures will not be specified in this registration.

The expected main benefit of the described study is to provide evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment to a vulnerable group, potentially improving life-long function and adherence to education, work, and social life.

During the autumn of 2024, a qualitative interview will be conducted with a few participants who have completed GMT, and the co-therapists will participate in a focus group interview. The purpose is to complement the quantitative data from the main study with qualitative data on how GMT is experienced by participants and therapists. This sub-study has been approved by the ethics committee and data protection authorities.

Being tested
Goal Management training
Keywords
adolescents, Goal Management Training
Medical subject headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Goal Management trainingBehavioural

    metacognitive group intervention

Study groups in NCT05874791
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Goal management trainingExperimentalCognitive rehabilitation:14 hours of GMT in groups of 4-6 participants, administered following a script with accompanying PowerPoint slides and participant workbooks, over the course of 7 weeks (one 2-hour session per week). In addition, the participants receive Treatment as Usual
Receives: Behavioral: Goal Management training
Treatment as UsualNo interventionNorway has established clinical guidelines for ADHD assessment and treatment in public health, emphasizing psychoeducation, parent management training, school counseling, and pharmacological treatment adapted to the needs of each patient

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Parent-Reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Second Edition (BRIEF-2).

    Rating inventory assessing executive function in daily life. Higher scores indicate greater executive dysfunction. The total score ranges from 86 - 258.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, after 12 months, and after 24 months).

Secondary outcomes (15)
  1. Change in Self-Reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Second Edition (BRIEF-2).

    Rating inventory assessing executive function in daily life. Higher scores indicate greater executive dysfunction. The total score ranges from 80 - 240.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, after 12 months, and after 24 months).

  2. Change in Teacher-Reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Second Edition (BRIEF-2).

    Rating inventory assessing executive function in daily life. Higher scores indicate greater executive dysfunction. The total score ranges from 86 - 258.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  3. Change in Attention Span task from Cognitive Assessment at Bedside for IPad (CABPad).

    Performance-based Executive functioning tests: To assess simple attention span. The scoring is based on the number of objects remembered. More objects indicate higher attention span.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  4. Change in Working Memory task from Cognitive Assessment at Bedside for IPad (CABPad).

    Performance-based Executive functioning test: To assess working memory. The scoring is based on the number of objects remembered. More objects indicate a better working memory.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  5. Change in Arrow Stroop task from Cognitive Assessment at Bedside for IPad (CABPad).

    Performance-based Executive functioning test: To investigate executive control of attention, more specifically cognitive impulse control. Scoring is based on reaction time and the number of incorrect/correct responses.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  6. Change in Symbol Digit Coding (Mental and Visuo-Motor Speed) task from Cognitive Assessment at Bedside for IPad (CABPad).

    Performance-based Executive functioning test: To investigate mental and visuo-motor speed. Scoring is based on reaction time and the number of incorrect/correct responses.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  7. Change in Parent-Reported Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA).

    Assessment rating adaptive and maladaptive functioning. Higher scores indicate greater difficulty. The total score ranges from 0 - 224.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  8. Change in Self-Reported Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA).

    Assessment rating adaptive and maladaptive functioning. Higher scores indicate greater difficulty. The total score ranges from 0 - 224.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  9. Change in Parent-Reported Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS-P).

    Rating inventory that evaluates the extent to which an individual's ability to function is impaired. The 50-item scale uses a Likert scale, such that any item rating 2 or 3 is clinically impaired. The total score ranges from 0 - 150.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  10. Change in Parent-Reported ADHD Rating scale (ADHD-RS-IV Home).

    Rating inventory that detects ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents reported by parents. The 18-item scale generates a total score between 0 - 54, where the higher score indicates greater difficulty.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  11. Change in Teacher-Reported ADHD Rating scale (ADHD-RS-IV School).

    Rating inventory that detects ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. The 18-item scale generates a total score between 0 - 54, where the higher score indicates greater difficulty.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  12. Change in Parent-Rated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).

    Measurement of health-related quality of life. The 23-item scale generates a total score between 0-100, where 100 points indicate optimal quality of life.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  13. Change in Self-Rated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).

    Measurement of health-related quality of life.The 23-items scale generates a total score between 0-100, where 100 points indicate optimal quality of life.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 months).

  14. Change in Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS).

    Method of rating performance based on a criterion-referenced scale with defined anchor points. If the patient achieves the expected level, this is scored at 0. If they achieve a better than expected outcome this is scored at: +1 (somewhat better), +2 (much better). If they achieve a worse than expected outcome this is scored at: -1 (somewhat worse), or -2 (much worse). The patient and the clinician decide this score together.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

  15. Change in Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).

    Measure of a child's or adolescent's psychosocial functioning on a scale from 1 (lowest functioning) to 100 (superior functioning in all areas). Rated by an independent observer.

    Measured: Change from Baseline up to 12 weeks (Assessed at Baseline, and after 12 weeks).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 May 2023
  2. Study start15 Sep 2023
  3. Primary completion30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Dec 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
120 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05874791
Sponsor's protocol ID
150687 and 150688
Other IDs
420217, 150688, 150687, 102610213, 103876101
Acronym
ADHD Effect
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
14 Apr 2023
Last updated
28 May 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Goal Management training in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Executive Dysfunction, run by Sykehuset Innlandet HF at 2 sites in Norway.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 May 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Norway. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Parent-Reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Second Edition (BRIEF-2). (time frame: Change from Baseline up to 24 months (Assessed at Baseline, after 12 weeks, after 12 months, and after 24 months).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 May 2025.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in