Emotional responses and their relationship with features of ADHD

Background on ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting approximately 1 in 25 adults (4%) in the UK. ADHD traits are present in the general population, and some people have higher levels of ADHD traits than others. These ADHD traits might affect the way that people experience emotions.

Emotions are shaped by bodily signals. For example, the combination of a racing heart, sweaty palms and a stressful situation might make you feel nervous. However, we do not understand how differences in bodily signals might shape different experiences of emotion related to ADHD traits.

About the study

The Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Group are running a research study examining whether ADHD traits are associated with differences in emotional responses and whether differences in bodily signals (e.g. heartrate) might underly them. We are looking for people in the UK aged 18–39 to take part in our study. All applicants are welcome: it does not matter whether you do or do not identify as having ADHD.

The first step of the study involves completing some online screening questions (3 mins)

Some individuals will then be invited to attend an in-person testing session at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience https://goo.gl/maps/LspntTSwEVkrUVDQ8

If you attend in-person testing, you will need to find a friend who would like to take part in the study with you. The friend must not be a family member or romantic partner.

At the in-person testing session, we will use a small device temporarily attached to your skin and your friend’s skin to measure your bodily signals (e.g. heart rate) and behavioural responses while you both complete two tasks. In task 1, you and your friend will both receive mild electric shocks. This will help us understand emotional responses involved in empathy. The electric shocks are non-harmful. They will be uncomfortable but tolerable, similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Before the task begins, we will make sure the electric shocks are not too strong for you. The responses of you and your friend during the task will be recorded by video. In task 2, we will measure how accurate you both are at detecting your heartbeats. You will be asked to count how many heartbeats you feel in a given period of time.

You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your thoughts, behaviour, feelings, mental health, current medications, and ADHD diagnostic status.

This study has received ethical approval from the UCL Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 19533/002).

What are the benefits of taking part?

You will aid in much-needed research on features of ADHD. You will also be reimbursed at a rate of £10 per hour for your time on site.

Where can I get more information?

More detailed information can be found in our Participant Information Sheets:

Participant Information Sheet:  

Companion Information Sheet: 

We will ask for your consent at the start of the in-person testing session, for which a sample form can be found here:

Consent Form: 

If you have any questions, please contact the study coordinator Benedict Greenwood on ICN.emotionADHDstudy@ucl.ac.uk

How can I participate?

If you're interested in participating, please fill out this online screening questionnaire

Will my data be protected?

Our study is conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. More information about your rights as a participant can be found here: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-reform/overview-of-the-gdpr/individuals-rights/