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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 18–64 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
At the in-person testing session, we will use small recording devices temporarily attached to your skin to measure your bodily signals (e.g. heart rate) while you complete two computerised tasks. The tasks involve watching videos; recording short videos of yourself talking about your hobbies/interests; predicting how other people will respond to your videos; and completing questionnaires about your thoughts, behaviour, feelings, mental health, current medications, and ADHD diagnostic status. These tasks will take approximately 1hr 30mins.
You will also be invited to take part in a follow-up study with a companion (friend/partner/family member). This follow-up study will explore bodily responses involved in empathy. As part of the study, both you and your companion will receive non-painful electric shocks and we will use small devices temporarily attached to your skin to measure your bodily signals. The shocks are not harmful. They will be unpleasant but tolerable and non-painful, similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The follow-up study will last approximately 45 mins. You do not have to take part in the follow-up study if you are only interested in the first session.
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 £9 per hour for your time on site.
Where can I get more information?
More detailed information can be found on our Participant Information Sheets:
- Main study –
- Follow-up study on bodily responses involved in empathy
Participant Information Sheet and Companion Information Sheet
We will ask for your consent at the start of the in-person testing sessions, for which a sample forms can be found here:
- Main study – Consent Form
- Follow-up study on bodily responses involved in empathy – 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/