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ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With HyperactivityANIMENCT07417878

Study of the Nutritional, Inflammatory, and Metabolic Endophenotypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A study testing Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD Cases in people with ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity, run by University Hospital, Montpellier.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to better understand the biological mechanisms involved in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to clarify why some children and adolescents respond well to methylphenidate (MPH)-the most commonly prescribed medication-while others do not. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 7 to 17 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD Cases
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
Mar 2026to Mar 2029
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 7 to 17 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

ADHD Group (Cases) - Inclusion Criteria:

  • Children or adolescents aged 7 to 17 years.
  • Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), assessed using the K-SADS interview.
  • Currently treated with psychostimulant medication.
  • Stabilized on psychostimulant treatment for at least one month prior to inclusion.
  • Signed informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
  • Assent obtained from the minor participant.
  • Affiliation with a national health insurance system.

Control Group (Typically Developing Peers) - Inclusion Criteria:

  • Children or adolescents aged 7 to 17 years without any diagnosed mental disorder.
  • Age- and sex-matched with the ADHD group.
  • Signed informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
  • Assent obtained from the minor participant.
  • Affiliation with a national health insurance system.

ADHD Group (Cases) - Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of a progressive neurological disorder, intellectual developmental disorder, or clinically significant suicide risk.
  • Presence of an immunological or chronic inflammatory disease.
  • Inability to comply with medication-free periods of at least two weeks.
  • Absence of parental consent.
  • Absence of assent from the minor participant.
  • Participation in another clinical study with an ongoing exclusion period.

Control Group (Typically Developing Peers) - Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of an immunological or chronic inflammatory disease.
  • Absence of parental consent.
  • Absence of assent from the minor participant.
  • Participation in another clinical study with an ongoing exclusion period.

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

About this study

This study aims to better understand the biological mechanisms involved in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to clarify why some children and adolescents respond well to methylphenidate (MPH)-the most commonly prescribed medication-while others do not. Although MPH is effective for many patients, a significant number experience limited benefits or problematic side effects such as appetite loss and sleep difficulties. Recent research suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress in the body may play an important role in ADHD. Some animal studies also indicate that MPH itself might trigger inflammatory processes, but this has never been examined directly in humans.

The main goal of this research is to determine whether children with ADHD show differences in their nutritional, immune, and inflammatory profiles compared to children without ADHD, and whether these biological factors influence symptom severity, digestive problems, and response to treatment. The study also seeks to understand whether MPH has a measurable inflammatory effect in young patients and whether this could be linked to treatment tolerability.

Read more

To answer these questions, the study combines several approaches. First, a case-control comparison will examine differences between children/adolescents with ADHD and age- and sex-matched controls. Second, a one-year follow-up of the ADHD group will evaluate changes over time and help identify biological predictors of treatment response and side effects. Finally, a cross-sectional analysis will investigate the role of polyphenols-natural antioxidant compounds found in food-in relation to inflammation, treatment outcomes, and gender differences.

The primary focus is on comparing levels of the inflammatory marker IL-6 between children with ADHD and controls. Secondary objectives include assessing additional inflammatory and immune indicators, nutritional status, gastrointestinal symptoms, ADHD severity, irritability, and MPH tolerability.

By identifying specific inflammatory and immune markers associated with ADHD and treatment response, this study hopes to improve understanding of the disorder and guide more personalized and effective treatment strategies for young patients. It will also provide the first human data on whether psychostimulant medications may have inflammatory effects.

Being tested
Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD Cases, Clinical and Biological Evaluation - Controls
Keywords
ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Psychostimulant, Inflammation, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Polyphenols, Cytokines
Medical subject headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Inflammation

What participants receive

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

  • Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD CasesOther

    Children and adolescents with ADHD undergo diagnostic confirmation (K-SADS if not completed within 6 months), behavioral and functional questionnaires (ADHD-RS for cases only, P-ARI, R4PDQ, KIDMED), clinician-rated scales (CGI-S/I, PAERS), and venous blood sampling for plasma and PBMC analysis. They complete two assessments: one during stabilized medication and one after a minimum two-week medication interruption, consistent with clinical practice guidelines. Assessments occur during the school period to reduce confounding factors.

  • Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ControlsOther

    Children and adolescents without psychiatric disorders undergo behavioral and functional questionnaires (P-ARI, R4PDQ, KIDMED)and venous blood sampling for plasma and PBMC analysis.

Study groups in NCT07417878
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ADHD Cases (with or without treatment)OtherChildren and adolescents aged 7-17 years diagnosed with ADHD will be recruited from MPEA 1, Montpellier University Hospital. Each participant will undergo two visits: one during stabilized medication and one during treatment interruption (minimum two-week washout).
Receives: Other: Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD Cases
Healthy ControlsOtherAge- and sex-matched children and adolescents without ADHD will be recruited via referrals from cases, local population, and public announcements.
Receives: Other: Clinical and Biological Evaluation - Controls

What is being measured

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

  1. Circulating IL-6 Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of IL-6 levels between children and adolescents with ADHD and age- and sex-matched typically developing controls at baseline (V1).

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

Secondary outcomes (33)
  1. CRP Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of CRP levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  2. IL-1β Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of IL-1β levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  3. IL-6 Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of IL-6 levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  4. IL-10 Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of IL-10 levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  5. TNF-α Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of TNF-α levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  6. NfL Levels in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of NfL levels between ADHD participants and matched controls at V1.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  7. CRP Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of CRP levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  8. IL-1β Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of IL-1β levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  9. IL-6 Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of IL-6 levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  10. IL-10 Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of IL-10 levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  11. TNF-α Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of TNF-α levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  12. NfL Levels in Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Participants

    Comparison of NfL levels in ADHD participants during medicated vs. unmedicated periods (V1 vs. V2).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  13. Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Plasma Levels for Immuno-Inflammatory Biotype Identification in ADHD patients

    Exploration of the existence of distinct immuno-inflammatory profiles among children and adolescents with ADHD using unsupervised clustering methods to define High Inflammatory Profile vs Low Inflammatory Profile. Participants with ADHD will be categorized into distinct biotypes (High Inflammatory vs. Low Inflammatory) determined by the integrated analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatoru cytokines. Plasma levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α will be measured in pg/mL.

    These biomarkers will contribute to the identification of High vs Low inflammatory biotypes using unsupervised clustering methods.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  14. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels for Immuno-Inflammatory Biotype Identification in ADHD patients

    Exploration of the existence of distinct immuno-inflammatory profiles among children and adolescents with ADHD using unsupervised clustering methods to define High Inflammatory Profile vs Low Inflammatory Profile. Participants with ADHD will be categorized into distinct biotypes (High Inflammatory vs. Low Inflammatory) determined by the integrated analysis of acute phase reactants. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels will be measured in mg/L.

    These biomarkers will contribute to the identification of High vs Low inflammatory biotypes using unsupervised clustering methods.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  15. Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) Levels for Immuno-Inflammatory Biotype Identification in ADHD patients

    Exploration of the existence of distinct immuno-inflammatory profiles among children and adolescents with ADHD using unsupervised clustering methods to define High Inflammatory Profile vs Low Inflammatory Profile. Participants with ADHD will be categorized into distinct biotypes (High Inflammatory vs. Low Inflammatory) determined by the integrated analysis of a neuronal injury marker. Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) levels will be measured in pg/mL.

    These biomarkers will contribute to the identification of High vs Low inflammatory biotypes using unsupervised clustering methods.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  16. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & ADHD Symptoms

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and ADHD symptoms using the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale 'ADHD-RS'

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  17. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & Gastrointestinal Symptoms

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and gastrointestinal symptoms using the Rome IV Pediatric Diagnostic Questionnaire 'R4DQ-child'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  18. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & Treatment Tolerability/Effectiveness

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and treatment tolerability/effectiveness using the Pediatric Adverse Event Rating Scale 'PAERS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  19. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & Treatment Tolerability/Effectiveness

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and treatment tolerability/effectiveness using the Visual Analog Scale 'VAS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  20. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & Irritability

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and irritability using the Parental Affective Reactivity Index 'ARI-P'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  21. Nutritional Profiles in ADHD vs. Controls

    Comparison of nutritional profiles assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents 'KIDMED' between children and adolescents with ADHD and age- and sex-matched typically developing peers.

    Measured: Baseline (V1)

  22. Correlations between Nutritional and Immuno-Inflammatory profiles

    Examination of correlations between nutritional profiles - using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents 'KIDMED' - and the immuno-inflammatory profiles (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  23. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & ADHD symptoms

    Examination of correlations of polyphenol bioavailability - using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database - with ADHD symptoms using the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale 'ADHD-RS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  24. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & Irritability

    Examination of correlations between polyphenol bioavailability - using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database - with irritability using the Parental Affective Reactivity Index 'ARI-P').

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  25. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & Immuno-Inflammatory Markers

    Examination of correlations between polyphenol bioavailability - using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database - with immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL).

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  26. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & Treatment Tolerability/Effectiveness

    Examination of correlations between polyphenol bioavailability - using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database - with psychostimulant treatment tolerability/effectiveness using the Pediatric Adverse Event Rating Scale 'PAERS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  27. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & Treatment Tolerability/Effectiveness

    Examination of correlations between polyphenol bioavailability - using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database - with psychostimulant treatment tolerability/effectiveness using the Visual Analog Scale 'VAS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  28. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & ADHD Symptoms

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and ADHD symptoms using the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale 'ADHD-RS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  29. Correlations between Immuno-Inflammatory Profiles & Irritabiliy

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and irritabiliy using the Parental Affective Reactivity Index 'ARI-P'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  30. Correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers and ADHD symptoms

    Examination of correlations between immuno-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NfL) and ADHD symptoms using Clinical Global Impression 'CGI'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  31. Correlations between nutritional profiles and ADHD symptoms

    Examination of correlations between nutritional profiles - using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents 'KIDMED' - and clinical symptoms using the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale 'ADHD-RS'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  32. Correlations between nutritional profiles and overall clinical symptoms

    Examination of correlations between nutritional profiles - using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents 'KIDMED' - and overall clinical symptoms using Clinical Global Impression 'CGI'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

  33. Correlations between Polyphenol Bioavailability & overall clinical symptoms

    Examination of correlations of polyphenol bioavailability using a 3-day food-tracking diary and the Phenol-Explorer database with overall clinical symptoms using Clinical Global Impression 'CGI'.

    Measured: Baseline (V1) and Follow-up (V2)(up to 6-months after V1)

Timeline

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

  1. First posted18 Feb 2026
  2. Study startMar 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionMar 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMar 2029 (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
Other
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Our study is monocentric and has both descriptive and analytical aims. It includes two complementary study designs to address the different objectives: 1. A Case-Control study aimed at characterizing the nutritional, immune, and inflammatory profiles of children and adolescents with ADHD compared with age- and sex-matched controls, and examining their association with ADHD and gastrointestinal symptomatology. 2. A prospective cohort study proposed to the cases. This cohort of children and adolescents with ADHD will be followed for up to 12 months and assessed twice according to their medication status: V1 (during ongoing psychostimulant treatment) and V2 (during the annual medication break).
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
80 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07417878
Sponsor's protocol ID
RECHMPL24_0347
Acronym
ANIME
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
23 Jan 2026
Last updated
18 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Fongaro E, Leyrolle Q, Madore C, Lehmann S, Picot MC, Laye S, Purper-Ouakil D. Inflammatory and immune profiling in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a matched case-control study with longitudinal on/off psychostimulant assessment (ANIME). BMC Psychiatry. 2026 Mar 27;26(1):370. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08012-1.

    PubMed 41896813

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Clinical and Biological Evaluation - ADHD Cases in people with ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity, run by University Hospital, Montpellier.

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

Who may be eligible to take part?

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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

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?

Contact Diane PURPER-OUAKIL, PUPH (+ 33 467336009 Ext. +33, d-purper_ouakil@chu-montpellier.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Circulating IL-6 Levels in ADHD vs. Controls (time frame: Baseline (V1)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07417878, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 18 Feb 2026.

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