PROUD Study

To date, there are no large scale, multicentre studies that systematically evaluate the role of dopaminergic transmission (DA) and circadian rhythm (CIRCA) in ADHD comorbidity and scrutinize their potential relevance for developing disease biomarkers. Importantly, non-pharmacologic treatments, i.e. exercise and chronobiological modifications, are known to modulate DA and CIRCA, respectively; however, no study has assessed their effect on ADHD and its comorbidities in an experimental setting.

The risk for comorbid obesity and major depressive disorder is increased in adolescents and adults with ADHD, and adolescent ADHD predicts adult obesity and major depressive disorder. Bright light therapy (chronobiological modification) improves day-night rhythm and is an established therapy for major depression in adolescents and adults. Exercise prevents and reduces obesity in adolescents and adults, and also improves depressive symptoms.

Taking on the results of the mHealth app development by KIT in WP05 and the results of previous intervention studies, the aim of the current randomized, single-blinded, controlled study is to establish effect sizes of these two kind of interventions in combination with mHealth based reinforcement in adolescents and young adults with ADHD aged 14 to 30 years old, targeting general health improvement and specifically the prevention of obesity and ADHD/depressive symptoms.

All outpatients with ADHD are invited to participate in the trial. Four study centers take part: Barcelona (VHIR-BCN), Frankfurt (GUF), London (KCL), and Nijmegen (RUMC).