An interventional study of Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture in Acupuncture, ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity and Children, sponsored by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 6 Years to 12 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-04.
Sponsored by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Among 53 studies in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with a site in China — 18 open to participants now, 18 under way, none of them phase 3. Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity · China.
Among the 53 studies in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with a site in China, this one is the 15th largest by planned enrollment of the 44 interventional ones, is one of 10 that started in 2024, is one of 34 with no phase, reaches primary completion later than 10 of the 17 other live ones, and was the 44th registered.
1,817 studies on the registry are indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; 296 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 120 is above the median of 71 across 1,437 interventional studies indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity.
Browse Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity studies →18 of the 53 studies in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with a site in China are open now, in 1 country. Each count lists the studies.
Of the 201 Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity studies recruiting now, 27 (13%) set no upper age limit and 169 (84%) stop at 75 or younger; 141 take children under 18; 55 take healthy volunteers.
This study: 6 Years to 12 Years · all sexes · no healthy volunteers.
The full table on the hub →53 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.
First in 2003; this study’s year is marked. 10 started in 2024.
Median enrollment 100 across the 44 interventional studies, 348 across the 9 observational. Of the 26 that completed or were terminated, 4 (15%) have results posted.
8 of 53 have an industry lead sponsor. The 10 most frequent:
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine is the lead sponsor of 4 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has 1 study filed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity — fewer than ten, so there is no comparison to draw.
6 of the studies in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with a site in China that are under way reach primary completion within a year, 0 of them phase 3. Phase 3 first, then by date:
| Study | Primary completion |
|---|---|
| NCT06685601Qilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityAn Intervention Study on Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | 2026-11 |
| NCT06860763The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese MedicineAcupuncture for ADHD: Acupoint Data Mining, Clinical Effectiveness, and Interviews to Explore Treatment Outcomes. | 2026-12-15 |
| NCT07552909Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineA Random Controlled Trial of Home-based Digital Therapy for Treating ADHD in Children | 2026-12-31 |
| NCT07683156Chongqing Jinsaixing Medical Technology Co., LtdDiagnostic Accuracy and Safety of the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Auxiliary Evaluation System (AHEF) in Chinese Children Aged 6 to 12 | 2027-01-30 |
| NCT06109337First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang UniversityImmunoprofilling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder | 2027-05 |
Among the 53 studies in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with a site in China, from their registry updates:
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6-12 years. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research will triangulate data from acupoint data mining, treatment outcomes assessment, and patient perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis of acupuncture's potential therapeutic benefits for ADHD.
This prospective cohort study will recruit children diagnosed with ADHD, assigning them to receive either acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbal treatment or herbal treatment alone. Quantitative assessments using the the SNAP-IV, Conners 3-P, BRIEF-2, PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PSQI and CGI that will be complemented by qualitative interviews to capture nuanced patient experiences and treatment outcomes.
The study will span 12 months, commencing on March 1st, 2025 with an expected completion by February 28th, 2026. By integrating quantitative assessments with qualitative insights, it aims to provide comprehensive evidence on acupuncture's role in ADHD management. Findings may inform clinical guidelines and enhance patient-centered care approaches.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remains a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children worldwide, often characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impair daily functioning. While conventional treatments such as stimulant medications and behavioral therapies are commonly prescribed, interest in complementary and alternative approaches, including acupuncture, has grown. This study proposes a rigorous examination of acupuncture's potential efficacy as a treatment modality for ADHD, employing a mixed-methods approach to triangulate acupoint data mining, treatment outcomes assessment, and patient perspectives.
The primary objective is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with ADHD. The research design involves a prospective cohort study wherein participants will be allocated to receive either acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbal treatment or herbal treatment alone. Quantitative assessment of ADHD symptom and related impairment administered at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up intervals. Additionally, qualitative interviews with participants, their caregivers and clinicians will explore subjective experiences, treatment satisfaction, and perceived changes in ADHD symptoms.
This prospective cohort study will recruit 6-12 year-old children diagnosed with ADHD from pediatrics department of the third affiliated hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group receiving acupuncture alongside traditional Chinese herbal treatment, and a control group receiving only the herbal treatment. The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent from parents and assent from children.
The research content includes three parts, as follows Phase I: Acupoint data mining for core acupoints Acupoint data mining will guide personalized treatment protocols, selecting points historically used for ADHD and supported by current research.
Phase II: Clinical Trial Intervention Quantitative assessment will involve administering the SNAP-IV, Conners 3-P, BRIEF-2, PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PSQI and CGI at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up intervals to measure changes in ADHD symptomatology, executive function, quality of life, and sleep quality.
Phase III: Qualitative Interview Qualitative methods will complement quantitative findings, capturing subjective experiences through semi-structured interviews with children, parents, and clinicians. This approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of treatment efficacy, patient satisfaction, and perceived improvements in ADHD symptoms, executive function, quality of life, and sleep patterns.
Statistical analyses will compare SNAP-IV, Conners 3-P, BRIEF-2, PSQI and PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales scores between groups, supplemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data to explore treatment satisfaction and symptom changes.
Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, ANOVA, and thematic analysis, will be employed to compare outcomes between treatment groups and explore correlations between acupuncture treatment, symptom alleviation, and overall well-being measures.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Patients will be considered for enrolment if they meet the criteria of:
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients will be excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The American Psychiatric Association’s manual of mental health diagnoses. DSM-5 (2013, revised as DSM-5-TR in 2022) replaced DSM-IV, and some studies still name the older edition. “Meets DSM criteria for …” means diagnosed by that edition’s diagnostic criteria, usually by a clinician in an interview.
DSM diagnostic criteria
The American Psychiatric Association’s manual of mental health diagnoses. DSM-5 (2013, revised as DSM-5-TR in 2022) replaced DSM-IV, and some studies still name the older edition. “Meets DSM criteria for …” means diagnosed by that edition’s diagnostic criteria, usually by a clinician in an interview.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Chinese herbal decoction based on the 2019 edition of the "Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Pediatric ADHD" by the Chinese Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Drug: Chinese herbal medicine
Acupuncture will be based on the first phase of data analysis, which identifies acupuncture point selection patterns for ADHD in school-age children.
Drug: Chinese herbal medicine · Device: Acupuncture
The general treatment strategy will follow principles of clearing excess and replenishing deficiency, regulating the internal organs, and balancing yin and yang. Based on the patient's specific syndrome in TCM.
The acupuncture needles used will be 0.25 mm in diameter and 25 mm in length, inserted quickly with even supplementation and reduction techniques.
SNAP-IV
Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale. * Items: 18 (9 inattention + 9 hyperactivity/impulsivity). * Response Options: 0 = Not at all, 1 = Just a little, 2 = Quite a bit, 3 = Very much. * Interpretation: Higher scores mean more severe ADHD symptoms (worse outcome).
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Conners 3-P
Conners 3rd Edition-Parent Rating Scale. * Items: 48 * Response Options: 0 (Not true at all) to 3 (Very much true) * Interpretation: Higher scores reflect more severe ADHD-related problems (worse outcome)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
BRIEF-2
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition. * Items: 63 * Response Options: 0 (Never) to 2 (Always) * Scoring: Raw scores are converted to T-scores; T-scores over 65 indicate a clinically elevated level * Interpretation: Higher T-scores denote greater executive function difficulties (worse outcome)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
PedsQL 4.0 generic score
Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. * Items: 23 * Response Options: 0 (Never), 2 (Sometimes), 4 (Always). Score Range: Original responses are transformed into a 0-100 scale * Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better quality of life (better outcome)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
PSQI
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. * Items: 18 total * Response Options: For 14 of those items, 0 (Never), 1 (\<1 time/week), 2 (2 times/week), 3 (≥3 times/week) * Score Range: 0-21 for the global score * Interpretation: Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality (worse outcome)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
VADRS
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale. * Items: 55 (ADHD core symptoms + comorbid items) * Response Options: 0 (Never) to 3 (Very often) * Interpretation: Higher scores signify more severe ADHD symptoms and comorbidity (worse outcome)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
CGI
Clinical Global Impression. CGI-Severity (CGI-S): * Scale: 7 points, typically from 1 (Normal, not ill) to 7 (Among the most extremely ill) * Interpretation: Higher scores indicate more severe illness (worse outcome). CGI-Improvement (CGI-I): * Scale: 7 points, typically from 1 (Very much improved) to 7 (Very much worse) * Interpretation: Lower scores indicate greater improvement, while higher scores represent worsening.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Plan to share: No — Sharing IPD is not permitted due to privacy concerns, ethical and legal restrictions, and institutional policies. Protecting minors' confidentiality and adhering to data security standards are priorities.
Started Oct 2024 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Dec 2026, 26 months after the start.
Of 479 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, half reached primary completion within 24 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 11 and three quarters within 43. This study's planned 26 months is close to that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 510 studies reached it within 23 months; a quarter within 11 and three quarters within 41.
Since we started tracking on Sep 25, 2026, the dates moved once, on Nov 4, 2026: primary completion Oct 2026 → Dec 2026 and completion Jan 2027 → Mar 2027.
Earlier changes are on the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity →
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine