NIMH ADHD Research & Information Hub
Get free, science-based ADHD information and research updates from the National Institute of Mental Health. Explore ADHD studies, clinical trials, and resources.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the world's largest funder of ADHD research. As the lead federal agency for mental health research, NIMH conducts and supports groundbreaking studies to understand, treat, and prevent ADHD across the lifespan.
NIMH's ADHD Research Mission
NIMH is committed to transforming the understanding and treatment of ADHD through rigorous scientific research. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIMH funds and conducts research on ADHD's biological basis, develops evidence-based treatments, and provides free, science-based ADHD information to the public.
Vision: A world where ADHD is fully understood, effectively treated, and its impact minimized through prevention and early intervention.
NIMH supports research to understand ADHD's neurobiology, genetics, and environmental factors. The Institute funds clinical trials testing new ADHD medications and behavioral therapies, and provides authoritative, evidence-based ADHD information to families, clinicians, and researchers.
NIMH ADHD Research Areas
NIMH leads cutting-edge research across multiple ADHD domains:
ADHD Neuroscience
Brain imaging studies showing ADHD-related differences in brain structure, function, and connectivity. Research on dopamine, norepinephrine, and neural circuits involved in attention and impulse control.
ADHD Genetics
Large genetic studies identifying genes associated with ADHD risk. Research on heritability, gene-environment interactions, and how genetic factors influence ADHD symptoms and treatment response.
ADHD Treatment Development
Clinical trials testing new ADHD medications, behavioral interventions, and combination treatments. Research on optimizing existing treatments and personalizing treatment based on individual characteristics.
ADHD Across the Lifespan
Studies looking at ADHD from early childhood through adulthood. Research on how ADHD symptoms change over time, persistence into adulthood, and age-specific treatment approaches.
ADHD Comorbidities
Research on conditions that commonly co-occur with ADHD, including anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and substance use disorders.
ADHD Prevention & Early Intervention
Studies identifying early risk factors for ADHD and testing interventions to prevent or reduce ADHD symptoms. Research on prenatal factors, early childhood interventions, and school-based programs.
NIMH ADHD Public Resources
Get free, evidence-based ADHD information from NIMH:
ADHD Information & Education
- •Complete ADHD health topic page with symptoms, causes, and treatments
- •ADHD in kids and teens: signs, diagnosis, and treatment
- •Adult ADHD: recognition, evaluation, and management
- •ADHD medications: types, effectiveness, and side effects
- •Behavioral treatments for ADHD: evidence-based approaches
- •ADHD statistics: prevalence, demographics, and trends
- •Latest ADHD research findings and breakthroughs
ADHD Educational Materials
- •ADHD fact sheets and brochures (free download)
- •ADHD infographics and visual guides
- •Videos explaining ADHD neuroscience and treatment
- •ADHD research updates and science news
- •Parent guides for managing kids with ADHD
- •Teacher resources for supporting students with ADHD
- •Shareable ADHD awareness materials
ADHD Clinical Trials
- •Current NIMH ADHD clinical trials and studies
- •How to participate in ADHD research
- •ADHD clinical trials for kids, teens, and adults
- •Benefits and risks of ADHD research participation
- •Finding ADHD clinical trials near you
- •ADHD research volunteer opportunities
NIMH ADHD Publications
Free ADHD publications available for download or order from NIMH:
- ✓Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) booklet
- ✓ADHD in kids and teens fact sheet
- ✓Adult ADHD information guide
- ✓ADHD treatment options overview
- ✓ADHD research reports and findings
- ✓ADHD statistics and data reports
- ✓Parent and teacher ADHD guides
- ✓ADHD shareable graphics for social media
Participate in ADHD Research
NIMH conducts and funds clinical research studies to develop better ADHD treatments and understand the disorder's causes. Participating in ADHD research helps advance science and may provide access to new treatments.
Benefits of Participation:
- ✓Access to cutting-edge ADHD treatments before they're publicly available
- ✓Complete ADHD evaluation and monitoring by expert researchers
- ✓Contribute to scientific knowledge that helps others with ADHD
- ✓No-cost study-related ADHD care and assessments
- ✓Compensation for time and travel may be available
- ✓Learn more about your ADHD from research experts
Visit the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov/joinastudy or call 1-866-627-6464 (toll-free) to learn about current ADHD studies, eligibility criteria, and how to enroll. You can search for ADHD clinical trials by age, location, and study type.
NIMH ADHD Statistics & Data
NIMH provides authoritative statistics on ADHD prevalence, treatment, and impact:
- •ADHD prevalence in kids, teens, and adults
- •ADHD diagnosis rates and trends over time
- •ADHD treatment use: medication and therapy
- •ADHD by demographics: age, gender, race, ethnicity
- •ADHD comorbidity rates with other mental health conditions
- •Economic impact and costs of ADHD
- •ADHD outcomes: education, employment, relationships
- •Global ADHD prevalence and cross-cultural data
Key NIMH ADHD Research Findings
Important discoveries from NIMH-funded ADHD research:
ADHD Brain Differences
Brain imaging studies show ADHD involves differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas controlling attention, impulse control, and executive function. These findings support ADHD as a neurobiological disorder.
ADHD Genetics
ADHD is highly heritable (70-80%). Large genetic studies have identified multiple genes associated with ADHD risk, involving dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems.
ADHD Treatment Effectiveness
The NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA) found that medication management and combined medication-behavioral treatment were more effective than behavioral treatment alone or routine community care for core ADHD symptoms.
ADHD Persistence
Longitudinal studies show ADHD often persists into adulthood. About 50-60% of kids with ADHD continue to have symptoms and impairment as adults, though symptom presentation may change.
Contact NIMH for ADHD Information
Phone
1-866-615-6464 (toll-free)
TTY
1-866-415-8051 (TTY)
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
NIMH provides ADHD information and research updates but does not offer medical advice or treatment referrals. For ADHD treatment information, contact SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 or consult a healthcare provider.
Related ADHD Resources
Explore additional ADHD support and information:
Take an ADHD Screening Test
Free, confidential ADHD screening for adults and children
Find an ADHD Therapist
Locate ADHD specialists and mental health professionals
ADHD Treatment Centers
Find specialized ADHD treatment programs and clinics
ADHD Resources
Comprehensive ADHD information and support resources
Learn About ADHD
Educational resources on ADHD symptoms and treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What ADHD research does NIMH conduct?
NIMH conducts and funds research across all aspects of ADHD—brain imaging studies to understand ADHD neurobiology, genetic studies to identify ADHD risk genes, clinical trials testing new meds and behavioral treatments, longitudinal studies tracking ADHD across the lifespan, and research on ADHD comorbidities. NIMH is the world's largest funder of ADHD research, supporting hundreds of studies at universities and research centers nationwide.
Does NIMH provide ADHD treatment or diagnosis?
No, NIMH does not provide ADHD diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. NIMH is a research institute that conducts and funds ADHD research and provides free, evidence-based ADHD information to the public. For ADHD evaluation and treatment, consult a qualified healthcare provider such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care physician. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) can provide treatment referrals.
Can I participate in NIMH ADHD research studies?
Yes, NIMH conducts ADHD clinical trials and research studies at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and funds ADHD research at institutions nationwide. To find ADHD studies recruiting participants, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/joinastudy or call 1-866-627-6464. You can search for studies by age (kids, teens, adults), location, and study type. Participation is voluntary and may include compensation.
Where can I find NIMH's ADHD information and resources?
NIMH's comprehensive ADHD health topic page is available at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd. This page includes information on ADHD symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, statistics, and latest research findings. NIMH also offers free downloadable ADHD brochures, fact sheets, and educational materials. All NIMH ADHD information is evidence-based and reviewed by scientific experts.
What are NIMH's most important ADHD research findings?
Key NIMH ADHD research findings include: (1) Brain imaging studies showing ADHD involves differences in brain structure and function, particularly in attention and impulse control areas; (2) Genetic studies showing ADHD is highly heritable (70-80%) with multiple genes involved; (3) The landmark MTA study showing medication and combined treatment are most effective for core ADHD symptoms; (4) Longitudinal research showing ADHD often persists into adulthood in 50-60% of cases. These findings have transformed ADHD understanding and treatment.
This page provides information about NIMH's ADHD research and resources. NIMH is a real federal research institute that conducts and funds ADHD research. For the most current ADHD information and research updates, visit www.nimh.nih.gov. NIMH does not provide medical advice or treatment. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.