Research Opportunities

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Study

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is widely recognized as a common and disabling disorder among children throughout the world. Although rates of diagnosis and use of medication as treatment remain controversial, there is wide agreement that a substantial number of children are impaired by this condition. Contrary to recent belief, studies now show that a substantial percentage of children with ADHD go on to have persistent and impairing problems in adolescence and early adulthood. As a result, concern in the scientific community has increasingly turned to these less-well understood age groups.

To investigate this problem further, Michigan State University is engaged in a 4 year study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents (age 11-18) and young adults (age 18-35), funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The project is examining a wide range of mental abilities that may contribute to persistence of these problems. Established as well as cutting edge measures are being designed and used to break new ground in understanding ADHD. The project is directed by Associate Professor Joel Nigg Ph.D., of the Department of Psychology. Co-investigators are Professor John Henderson, MSU Psychology Department and Director of the Cognitive Science Program at MSU, and Professor Fernanda Ferreira of the MSU Psychology Department and Cognitive Science Program.

These studies are ongoing at least through June. If you are interested in participating as a research subject, call 432-4894 or 1-888-MSU-ADHD.

For more information including directions, check http://www.cogsci.msu.edu/ADHD/