1. Becker K, Dose C, Ohlsen AK, Cosan A, König U, Hautmann C, Kohl LT, Brandeis D, Kaiser A, Hohmann S, Jans T, Geissler J, Renner TJ, Legenbauer T, Kölch M, Bienioschek S, Poustka L, Konrad K, Banaschewski T, Ketter J, Döpfner M. Adaptive stepped care in preschool-age children with ADHD symptoms: a multicentre study including two consecutive randomised controlled trials (ESCApreschool). Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry;2026 (May 18)

Parent training and assisted self-help have proven effective in preschool-age children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study analysed a stepped-care approach combining these interventions. Participants were children (3-6 years) with either ADHD or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) plus substantial ADHD symptoms. Study Step 1 (three months) comprised a randomised, waitlist-controlled trial on the efficacy of parent-directed telephone-assisted self-help (TASH). Based on the response to TASH, in Step 2 (six months), participants either received TASH booster sessions (full responders) or participated in another randomized controlled trial (partial/non-responders) comparing parent management and preschool teacher training (PMPTT) with treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was change in blinded-clinician-rated ADHD and ODD symptoms. The primary analyses were by intention-to-treat. 189 children (79.9% boys, mean age = 5.1 years) were randomised. A univariate analysis of covariance did not yield a significant difference in the primary outcome for Step 1 (n(TASH)=58, n(Waitlist)=54; mean difference  -0.13 ± 0.07, 95%-CI -0.26-0.01; p = 0.06; d= -0.30). Following TASH, 67 children (40.9%) showed a full response and 97 a partial/non-response. In Step 2, PMPTT was superior to TAU (n(PMPTT)=23, n(TAU)=37; mean difference -0.23 ± 0.11, 95%-CI -0.44-[-0.01]; p = 0.040; d=-0.52, 95%-CI -1.02-[-0.03]). Furthermore, TASH showed effects on parent-rated externalizing symptoms, negative parenting, and parental self-efficacy, and PMPTT on semi-blinded-clinician- and parent-rated impairment. Stepwise adaptive treatment may be beneficial for preschoolers with ADHD. Initial TASH is associated with full responses in a subgroup. Consecutive PMPTT should be offered to children with residual symptoms. (German Clinical Trials Register; DRKS00008971; registered on 01 October 2015).

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2. Danielsen HE, Finserås TR, Bøe T, Hjetland GJ, Andersen AIO, Colman I, Skogen JC. The association between ADHD symptoms and different dimensions of problematic use of social media among adolescent in the « LifeOnSoMe »-study. BMC Public Health;2026 (May 18)

BACKGROUND: Over the last years, there has been a rise in ADHD symptoms among adolescents. Concerns have been raised about a potential link with problematic social media use and studies indicate a positive association between ADHD symptoms and problematic social media use. However, these studies have often assessed problematic use using crude or non-specific measures. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association using three novel dimensions of problematic social media use: subjective overuse, social obligations, and source of concern. METHODS: The present study is based on a cross-sectional survey, the « LifeOnSoMe »-study (N = 3568), conducted in 2020 and 2021. Participants were senior high school students (mean age 17.3 years, 55.6% girls) in Bergen, Norway. Gender-specific linear regression analyses were performed with ADHD symptoms as the independent variable and three dimensions of problematic social media use (subjective overuse, social obligation and source of concern) as the dependent variable in separate analyses. The analyses were adjusted for subjective socioeconomic status and symptoms of depression. RESULTS: ADHD symptoms were positively and significantly associated with all dimensions of problematic social media use in the fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study are in line with previous studies on the association between ADHD symptoms and problematic social media use. In addition, the conceptualization of problematic social media use applied in this study points to potential differences in strength of association between ADHD symptoms and various aspects of social media use.

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3. Erarslan I, Budak M, Tarakci D. Effects of music-based occupational therapy activities on attention executive functions in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. PLoS One;2026;21(5):e0349284.

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. This disorder may lead to impairments in various executive functions, such as sustained attention, planning and organizing, and impulse control. Occupational therapy interventions offer strategies aimed at enhancing attention, executive functions, and motor skills in individuals with ADHD, while also providing guidance and support to caregivers throughout the process. Caregivers of children with ADHD play a vital supportive role and are required to manage caregiving demands through appropriate and healthy care strategies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was investigate the effect of music-based occupational therapy activities on attention and executive functions in children diagnosed with ADHD, compared with structured occupational therapy interventions, as well as to examine changes in caregiver burden. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 children aged between 5 and 12 years (N = 39) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: music-based occupational therapy (n = 19) and structured occupational therapy (n = 20). The music-based occupational therapy group received sessions involving harmonica and drum-based occupational therapy activities, while the structured occupational therapy group received conventional structured occupational therapy interventions. Both interventions were administered once a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Children’s attention levels were assessed using the DSM-V Level-2 Inattention Scale, executive function skills were evaluated with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Child Version (BRIEF), and caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview, both at baseline and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Pre- and post-intervention assessments revealed improvements in both groups in terms of attention levels (F(1, 37) = 9.675, η² = .207, p = .004), executive functions (F(1, 37) = 2.506, η² = .063, p = .122), and caregiver burden (F(1, 37) = 0.002, η² = .000, p = .967). When comparing time-group interactions, it was observed that music-based occupational therapy activities had a more beneficial effect, particularly on attention levels, in children with ADHD compared to structured occupational therapy. CONCLUSION: Overall, music-based occupational therapy activities demonstrated positive effects on attention levels, executive functions, and caregiver burden in children with ADHD. Future studies are encouraged to incorporate a broader range of musical instruments into occupational therapy intervention plans, aligned with specific therapeutic goals. It is considered important for therapists to develop strategies that tailor the rhythm, melody, and harmony of musical instruments according to the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of individuals.

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4. Ge L, Sun Y. Comparative effects of different exercise modalities on executive function in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Psychol;2026;17:1786104.

BACKGROUND: Exercise interventions have been increasingly identified as potential non-pharmacological approaches to ameliorate cognitive and behavioural performance among children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Nonetheless, the relative efficacy of various exercise modalities is still uncertain. METHODS: This network meta-analysis and systematic review combined 19 trials (N = 845) to compare the impact of structured exercise on executive function and other outcomes. Four databases were searched: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus. Randomised and controlled trials published between 2010 and 2025 were included. The main outcomes included working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility; secondary outcomes included ADHD symptoms and motor performance. Random-effects models were used to pool standardised mean differences (SMDs). Only inhibitory control accuracy could be analysed with a Bayesian network meta-analysis (k = 14). I (2), prediction intervals, design-by-treatment models, and GRADE were used to evaluate heterogeneity, inconsistency, and certainty of evidence. FINDINGS: Effects were mixed across domains of executive functions. The overall effect of inhibitory control reaction time was not significant (SMD = -0.64, 95% CI: -1.72 to 0.44; I (2) = 94%). The accuracy of working memory was also non-significant (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: -0.26 to 0.94; I (2) = 78%), but it was highly variable (prediction interval -1.22 to 1.90). There was little evidence of benefit in cognitive flexibility accuracy (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI: -1.51 to 1.91; I (2) = 93%). The network meta-analysis found coordinative training to be the most effective modality for inhibitory control accuracy, performing better than the seven comparators (mean SMD ≈ 1.77). Direct comparisons indicated large, significant effects compared to waitlist (SMD = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.14-3.27) and attention control (SMD = -2.12, 95% CI: -3.51 to -0.72). There was a small, marginally significant improvement in ADHD symptoms (SMD = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.89 to 0.02; I (2) = 6%). Moderation analyses revealed no significant dose-response or age effects, but moderate-dose programmes (481-2,880 min) demonstrated the most consistent benefits (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.32-1.79). CONCLUSION: Coordinative training produces the most consistent gains in inhibitory control among children with ADHD, and gains in more widely studied executive functions are inconclusive due to high variability and sparse networks. Modality-specific recommendations should be reinforced by more powerful head-to-head trials.

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5. Johannessen KB, Ishøy PL, Houmann T, Levin E, Thomsen PH. Perception of ADHD and Compliance in Relation to ADHD Medication. Acta Psychiatr Scand;2026 (May 18)

INTRODUCTION: ADHD medication has proven effective for treating ADHD in adults. Large registry-based studies have generally reported high discontinuation rates over time and focused on different risk factors, including comorbidity, gender, and socioeconomic status. The present mixed-model study examines self-reported factors related to the discontinuation of ADHD medication in Danish adults. It specifically focuses on themes such as the perception of ADHD and the perceived beneficial and adverse effects of the medication, with the aim of identifying patients’ reasons either for continuing or discontinuing the prescribed medication overall and in relation to gender. OBJECTIVE: The present study explores patients’ self-reported reasons for continuing or discontinuing ADHD medication, as well as the factors that influence their decision to live with or without medication despite having ADHD. METHODS: The present study employed a mixed-model design and consisted of 1050 Danish adults who redeemed a prescription for ADHD medication for the first time between 2017 and 2019. Questionnaires were distributed by Statistics Denmark to 4748 adults, a representative sample of the 16,284 Danish adults who redeemed a prescription within that period. Discontinuation was defined as a gap of 12 months between redemptions, and questionnaires were sent to an equal number of patients who continued or discontinued ADHD medication. A series of 2 (continuation vs. discontinuation) × 2 (male vs. female) two-way ANOVA was conducted for different main themes, all of which were derived from six patient interviews. RESULTS: The patients who continued medical treatment were more likely to perceive ADHD as a biological illness, whereas those who discontinued treatment were more likely to perceive ADHD as an illness constructed by society. Furthermore, patients who continued medical treatment reported that the medication had a more positive influence on their lives, whereas those who discontinued the medication reported experiencing more negative feelings. Finally, males were more likely than females to perceive ADHD as a socially created illness, while females reported higher scores than males for taking ADHD medication for themselves, being able to work or attend school, being social, and being able to enjoy peaceful alone. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the perception of ADHD as either a biological or a social construct is central to patients’ decisions to continue or discontinue ADHD medication. Moreover, interesting gender differences were found regarding the perception of ADHD and the reasons for taking ADHD medication. From a clinical perspective, these findings underscore the importance of understanding the individual patient’s perception of ADHD and highlight the need for relatively close clinical monitoring of patients with ADHD due to their high risk of discontinuing medication.

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6. Kang S, Fu Z, Li Q, Yang L, Cao Q. Adult-diagnosed and childhood-diagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: cognitive and environmental contributions to symptom severity across different age of diagnosis. Front Psychiatry;2026;17:1782999.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorder onset in childhood. However, accumulating evidence suggests that some adults may fulfill current diagnostic criteria for ADHD despite reporting no clinically significant symptoms during childhood. It remains unclear whether executive function and environmental factors relate differently to symptom severity across different age of diagnosis. METHODS: Seventy-two adults with ADHD were recruited and classified into childhood-diagnosed (N = 37) and adult-diagnosed (N = 35) groups using structured diagnostic interviews and retrospective symptom ratings. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Adult ADHD self-report scale, executive function with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Form, emotional symptoms via the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale, and environmental factors using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Parental Bonding Instrument. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted to evaluate independent contributions and diagnosis-specific effects on ADHD core symptoms. RESULTS: There was no significant age difference between the adult-diagnosed and childhood-diagnosed ADHD groups (25.63 ± 4.89 vs. 26.32 ± 4.69 years). Compared to the childhood-diagnosed group, adults with adult-diagnosed ADHD showed lower childhood symptoms but similar adulthood severity, alongside superior self-monitoring and significantly more psychiatric comorbidities and emotional distress. Executive function was the strongest and most consistent predictor of both inattention (β = 0.64, p < 0.001) and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms (β = 0.47, p < 0.001), whereas environmental factors contributed minimal additional explanatory power, with a modest association between parental overprotection and inattention (β = 0.28, p = 0.016). No diagnosis-specific moderation effects were observed (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while adult-diagnosed ADHD presents with a complex clinical profile, executive function and environmental factors do not play a primary role specific to the age of diagnosis.

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7. O’Connor SD, Loughnan R, Ahern J, Fan CC, Althoff RR, Garavan H, Potter A, Albaugh MD. Attention problems and cortical maturation in a large longitudinal sample of youths: The importance of accounting for sex differences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A;2026 (May 26);123(21):e2605729123.

Delayed age-related cortical thinning has been proposed as a biomarker of attention-related psychopathology and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but these findings have not been adequately replicated in large, longitudinal samples with sufficient power to account for potential confounds such as co-occurring psychopathology and sex differences in neurodevelopment. Here, we examined whether previously reported associations between attention problems and delayed cortical thickness development could be replicated in a large, longitudinal cohort of youths. Leveraging data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the association between parent-reported attention problems (AP) on the Child Behavior Checklist and age-related cortical thickness change (N = 26,496 MRI scans from 11,025 unique participants). Secondary analyses examined the association between a polygenic risk score for ADHD and cortical thickness development. In initial sex-pooled analyses, we observed associations between AP and reduced rates of cortical thinning (β = 00594 to 0.0145, FDR-adjusted P < 0.05). However, when an age × sex interaction term was included in the model, these associations were no longer evident (all FDR-adjusted P > 0.05 across ROIs). Follow-up sex-stratified analyses revealed no significant age × AP interactions on cortical thickness in males or females. Further, there was no evidence of genetic liability for ADHD being associated with reduced age-related cortical thinning. Taken together, these findings suggest that previously reported associations between AP and delayed cortical thinning likely reflect unaccounted-for sex differences in neurodevelopment rather than AP-specific maturational delays, questioning the utility of cortical maturation patterns as diagnostic biomarkers for ADHD-related behavior.

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8. Özaslan A, Songür İ A, Demirci SC, Gürbüz Ş, Yıldırım M, Kaya A, Uras MC, La Rosa VL, Vehbi A, Güney E, İşeri E, Commodari E, Gómez-Salgado J. Examining the impact of ADHD, pharmacological treatment, and internet addiction on the parent-adolescent relationships quality. Front Psychol;2026;17:1761478.

INTRODUCTION: Parent-adolescent relationship quality is vital for youth’s emotional and behavioral development; yet, it may be adversely impacted by neurodevelopmental disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine whether ADHD diagnosis and medication status are associated with differences in specific dimensions of parent-adolescent relationship quality – namely open communication, positive relationship quality, and negative relationship quality – while accounting for internet addiction as a contextual covariate. METHODS: A total of 155 adolescents, aged 12-18 (M = 14.23 years, SD = 1.83), participated in this study. The participants were categorized into three groups: adolescents without ADHD (control group, n = 58), those with ADHD not receiving medication (n = 55), and adolescents with ADHD for at least 3 months (n = 42). We evaluated the parent-adolescent relationship quality across three dimensions: positive, open, and negative relationship quality with both parents. Multivariate Analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) were utilized to assess the impact of ADHD diagnosis and pharmacological treatment on relationship quality, controlling for age, sex, and internet addiction (IA) as factors. RESULTS: After controlling for age and internet addiction, medication naïve adolescents with ADHD had significantly lower levels of open communication with mothers (p = 0.002) and fathers (p < 0.001) compared to adolescents with ADHD on medication and the control group, with the latter two groups not differing significantly from one another in this sample. No significant group differences were observed in negative relationship quality, and other positive relationship dimensions largely converged across groups. A higher level of IA was associated with higher negative relationship quality with both parents (p = 0.001) across the full sample; whether this association differs by ADHD diagnosis or medication status was not formally tested and cannot be determined from the present analyses. We identified age as a factor of lower father-adolescent relationship quality (p = 0.022). Still, we found sex to be insignificant (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, group differences were domain-specific: medication-naïve adolescents with ADHD reported significantly lower open communication with both parents, whereas no robust group differences emerged for positive or negative relationship quality. In contrast, adolescents receiving pharmacological treatment did not significantly differ from the control group on these dimensions in this sample. These findings suggest that pharmacological treatment status is associated with differences in open communication patterns in families with adolescents with ADHD; however, the cross-sectional and non-randomized nature of our design precludes causal inference. Also, the finding that IA showed a significant main effect on relationship quality across the full sample highlights the importance of considering internet usage patterns when working with families of adolescents with ADHD.

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9. Sezgin M, Koyuncu O, Güneş M, Yıldırım Budak B. Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Patient with 6q25.1-Q25.3 Microdeletion: A Case Report. Dev Neuropsychol;2026 (May 18):1-8.

6q25 microdeletion is a rare syndrome associated with intellectual disability and dysmorphism. However, comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are poorly documented. We report a 16-year-old male with a 6.7 Mb deletion (6q25.1-q25.3) presenting with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and severe behavioral dysregulation. Psychiatric evaluation confirmed comorbid ASD (CARS: 52) and ADHD. Behavioral symptoms and aggression were successfully stabilized using 5 mg/day olanzapine. Our case is the first report of ASD/ADHD co-occurrence in 6q25 syndrome highlights the potential neurobehavioral role of genes like ARID1B and SYNE1. Our findings emphasize the need for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation in rare chromosomal aberrations.

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10. Shanbhag T, Rai S, Praharaj SK. The Longitudinal Link: A Systematic Review of Childhood ADHD and Early Onset of Substance Use in Adulthood. Subst Use Misuse;2026 (May 18):1-14.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Current clinical practice increasingly involves adolescents and adults with substance use disorder (SUD) who have a history of childhood ADHD. Literature shows a strong association between childhood ADHD and alcohol and cannabis use, with ADHD often worsening SUD outcomes. This review aims to assess the prevalence of childhood ADHD among adults with SUD through meta-analysis and compare the age of substance use onset between those with and without childhood ADHD. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A systematic search of databases (PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase) identified studies reporting ADHD prevalence and SUD onset age. Both observational and interventional studies were included if they had participants with a childhood ADHD diagnosis or assessed retrospectively through self-report or interviews, along with SUD. After screening, 20 studies were included for meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and observation study quality evaluation scales. FINDINGS: The meta-analysis found a childhood ADHD prevalence of 9.9% (95% CI: 6.1%-15.2%) in adults with SUD. Regarding onset age, individuals with childhood ADHD started using substances significantly earlier than peers: tobacco (MD = -1.43, 95% CI: -1.61 to -1.26, p < 0.00001), alcohol (MD = -1.03, 95% CI: -1.54 to -0.53, p < 0.0001), and cannabis (MD = -1.15, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.78, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Childhood ADHD is common among adults with SUD and correlates with earlier substance use onset. The current findings highlight the need for early identification of ADHD and its role in understanding the trajectory of substance use.

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11. Young SR. When Professional Success Masks Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Late-Diagnosed ADHD in a Physician. Cureus;2026 (Apr);18(4):e107189.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a lifespan neurodevelopmental condition that persists into adulthood in a substantial proportion of individuals. Despite growing awareness, adult ADHD is frequently underrecognized, particularly in those with high intellectual ability and sustained academic or professional success. Misconceptions that high achievement without external supports excludes ADHD can delay diagnosis. This case describes a physician in his 30s with lifelong inattentive symptoms and inefficiency, who excelled in patient care yet struggled with selective task organization and completion. Years earlier, his difficulties were attributed to depression, likely influenced by the demands of medical training. When attentional symptoms persisted and began to affect personal relationships, he underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Testing revealed selective attentional and executive functioning vulnerabilities consistent with ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. Depressive symptoms, including guilt and self-blame, were secondary to repeated lapses in attention and incomplete task follow-through. Receiving a formal ADHD diagnosis was profoundly clarifying, allowing the patient to pursue targeted interventions and better understand the relationship between chronic inefficiencies and self-perception. This case illustrates the value of neuropsychological assessment in clarifying diagnosis when achievement history may mask symptoms or when depressive features appear prominent. Recognition of ADHD in high-functioning adults has implications for timely intervention, self-awareness, and optimization of personal and professional functioning.

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12. Zhao X, Cai Y, Zhang X, Xu T, Qian Y, Hao W, Wang Y, Yuan J, Cai T, Zhou L, Li H, Lei L. Cross-training digital therapeutics for pediatric ADHD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials;2026 (May 18)

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children can result in academic and occupational failure, poor socialization, and an increased risk of accidental injuries. Digital therapeutics (DTx) leverage computers and smartphones to provide game-based treatments targeting ADHD’s cognitive and behavioral aspects. Although the evidence base for DTx in ADHD is expanding, most DTx focus on a single mechanism without leveraging potential synergies between them. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cross-training DTx for children aged 6-12 with ADHD. METHODS: The DTx study is a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial that employs a cross-training approach integrating neurofeedback and executive function training. A total of 210 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the medication group (MED), the DTx group (DTX), or the combination group (COM). DTX will receive home‑based digital training, MED will receive methylphenidate, and COM will receive both. The primary outcome is change in Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP‑IV) total score from baseline to 8 weeks post-randomization. Non‑inferiority will be tested between DTX and MED with a non-inferiority margin of Δ = 4 points; superiority between COM and MED will be defined as the lower bound of the two‑sided 95% confidence interval for the difference being greater than 0. DISCUSSION: The clinical trial protocol presented here outlines a randomized controlled trial that evaluates DTx utilizing cross-training approach. The aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy and acceptability of the cross-training DTx for children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD. The primary outcome is the degree of improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD (measured by SNAP‑IV). Additionally, we will evaluate compliance and potential side effects associated with the DTx. The results of this study may provide an optional non-pharmacological intervention/supplementary treatment option for children with ADHD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06369714. Registered on 17 April 2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06369714.

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13. Zhu H. Influence of rhythmic music game intervention on executive function and sensorimotor ability of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Public Health;2026;14:1808386.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of rhythmic music game-based intervention in improving executive functions and sensorimotor abilities among children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), thereby providing evidence-based support for non-pharmacological interventions and promoting children’s health. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 64 children diagnosed with ADHD, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 32) or a control group (n = 32). The control group received routine health education, while the intervention group additionally participated in an 8-week rhythmic music game program delivered via tablet devices, consisting of three 40-min sessions per week that included tasks such as beat synchronization and rhythm creation. Executive function and sensorimotor abilities were assessed before and after the intervention using the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Test of Gross Motor Development, Third Edition (TGMD-3). At the same time, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale (ARS-5) was used to evaluate the severity of the core symptoms of ADHD in children. RESULTS: In the intervention group, post-intervention assessments showed significant reductions in SCWT word-meaning interference errors (p < 0.001) and shorter completion times on TMT Part B (p < 0.001). The total score of ARS-5 scale and the scores of each dimension decreased significantly (p < 0.001). TGMD-3 total scores also significantly improved (p < 0.001), particularly in the locomotor and object-control subdomains reflecting coordination ability (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group across any measures (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons of pre-post differences revealed statistically significant effects favoring the intervention group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Rhythmic music game intervention effectively enhances inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and sensorimotor coordination in children with ADHD. Given its engaging nature and accessibility, it holds promise as a valuable component within multidisciplinary intervention strategies, offering a practical approach to supporting the healthy development of children with ADHD.

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