NIMH K23: Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits

Working memory (WM) deficits are a transdiagnostic feature of adolescent psychopathology that substantially contribute to poor clinical and functional outcomes. This proposal will utilize a multimodal neuroscientific approach to investigate whether non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the neural mechanisms underlying adolescent WM deficits. Directly in line with NIMH priorities, the researchers will identify the contributing roles of prefrontal and parietal regions in WM processes, as well as identify optimal targets and parameters for novel brain-based treatments in adolescent psychopathology. This study is funded by the NIMH-K23

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Working Memory
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Active Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation; Device: Sham Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation

Detailed Description

Project Summary/Abstract Deficits in working memory (WM) comprise a core, transdiagnostic feature of childhood and adolescent psychopathology. WM is one of the strongest predictors of clinical and functional outcomes, yet there remains a dearth of treatments available for WM deficits. WM was historically conceptualized as solely localized to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while modern technology has established the broader role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). There is evidence to suggest that PPC receives direct input from PFC, although other evidence suggests the PPC encodes incoming stimuli and feeds forward to the PFC for the initiation of control functions. I have previously found that frontoparietal theta/gamma oscillations, particularly theta-gamma coupling, is a neural mechanism underlying WM processes. Novel approaches to non-invasive brain stimulation, such as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can now modulate these distinct oscillatory dynamics and subsequently examine possible causal or temporal relationships. This award would build on my preliminary findings and transition my career from a clinician to an independent researcher. The objective of this Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to provide the necessary training for me to obtain my career goal of utilizing a multimodal neuroscientific approach to measure and modulate the neural dynamics underlying neurocognitive deficits in childhood and adolescent psychopathology. In line with NIMH priorities, the training plan proposed will build upon my clinical neuropsychology and clinical research foundation to provide comprehensive training and mentorship in two core areas: 1) Neuromodulation and 2) Computational Neuroscience. In a 2x2 factorial double-blind design, the researchers will randomize a sample of 40 adolescents (12-18 years) with WM deficits to iTBS at the left DLPFC or inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Participants will complete an active iTBS session and a sham iTBS session. The primary outcome will be theta-gamma coupling during WM demands, as measured via electroencephalography during a spatial WM task immediately before and after iTBS. Aim 1 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PPC on the encoding stage of WM, while Aim 2 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PFC on the maintenance stage of WM. Aim 3 will utilize computational neural modeling to identify the neocortical circuitry underlying oscillatory modulation. My central hypothesis is that the PFC and PPC regions have complimentary roles in executing WM processes. Further, iTBS can modulate theta-gamma coupling in these regions to improve behavioral performance. The researchers will establish a framework for modulating oscillatory dynamics in child psychiatry and set the stage for my first R01 on WM-related frontoparietal oscillatory dynamics and optimal treatment parameters for adolescent WM deficits. This will provide the foundation required to dedicate my career to measuring and modulating oscillatory abnormalities in child psychiatry.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Brian Kavanaugh, PsyD ABPP; Phone Number: 14014321359; Email: Brian_Kavanaugh@Brown.edu

Study Locations

• United States
  • Rhode Island
    • East Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02915
      • Recruiting
      • E. P. Bradley Hospital
      • Contact: Brian Kavanaugh, PsyD; Phone Number: 401 432 1359; Email: Brian_Kavanaugh@Brown.edu

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 13 years to 18 years (Child, Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Researchers will enroll a sample of adolescents (age 12-18 years) with working memory deficits and ADHD. Participation in this study will not require any adjustments to their clinical care. There are no costs to this study (participants compensated) and there are no expected long-term benefits to the participants. Participants will be compensated for each session. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Ability to provide assent and have parent provide parental permission
2. English fluency of the participant and the legal guardian/parent
3. 12-18 years
4. Parent rating on BRIEF-2 Working Memory: Greater than 1.0 SD above normative mean.
5. IQ > 80
6. Clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type, combined type, or unspecified type. Diagnostic criteria will be confirmed with NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales-Parent.

Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be screened to exclude individuals with neurological or medical conditions that might confound the results, as well as to exclude participants in whom MRI or TMS might result in increased risk of side effects or complications. Common contraindications include metallic hardware in the body, cardiac pacemaker, patients with an implanted medication pumps or an intracardiac line, or prescription of medications known to lower seizure threshold. These account for the majority of the exclusion criteria listed below:

1. Intracranial pathology from a known genetic disorder (e.g., NF1, tuberous sclerosis) or from acquired neurologic disease (e.g. stroke, tumor), cerebral palsy, history of severe head injury, or significant dysmorphology
2. History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
3. History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, or immediate (1st degree relative) family history epilepsy
4. Any progressive (e.g., neurodegenerative) neurological disorder
5. Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
6. Contraindicated metal implants in the head, brain or spinal cord (excluding dental implants, braces or fillings)
7. Non-removable makeup or piercings
8. Pacemaker
9. Implanted medication pump
10. Vagal nerve stimulator
11. Deep brain stimulator
12. TENS unit (unless removed completely for the study)
13. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
14. Signs of increased intracranial pressure
15. Intracranial lesion (including incidental finding on MRI)
16. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness
17. Substance abuse or dependence within past six months (i.e., DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria)
18. Chronic treatment with prescription medications that decrease cortical seizure threshold, not including psychostimulant medication if deemed to be medically safe as part of the medical review process.
19. Active psychosis or mania
20. Current suicidal intent
21. Current pregnancy
22. Significant visual, hearing or speech impairment
23. Current wards of the state

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Basic Science
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Active intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation; In a 2x2 factorial double-blind design, researchers will randomize a sample of adolescents with WM deficits to intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or inferior parietal lobule (IPL), based on each participant's structural brain MRI. Participants in both arms will complete an active iTBS session and a sham iTBS session. The primary outcome will be theta-gamma coupling during WM demands, as measured via electroencephalography (EEG) during a Sternberg spatial WM task (SWMT) immediately before and after iTBS.	Device: Active Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation; Standard iTBS protocol with active coil
Experimental: Sham intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation; In a 2x2 factorial double-blind design, researchers will randomize a sample of adolescents with WM deficits to intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or inferior parietal lobule (IPL), based on each participant's structural brain MRI. Participants in both arms will complete an active iTBS session and a sham iTBS session. The primary outcome will be theta-gamma coupling during WM demands, as measured via electroencephalography (EEG) during a Sternberg spatial WM task (SWMT) immediately before and after iTBS.	Device: Sham Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation; Standard iTBS protocol with active coil

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Theta-Gamma Coupling After Sham iTBS	EEG recording will be obtained while the participant completes the Sternberg Spatial Working Memory Test (SWMT). The coupling between theta phase and gamma amplitude will be extracted from the EEG during encoding and maintaining demands. The change between pre and post a single iTBS session will be calculated.	Theta-gamma coupling will be obtained immediately before (i.e., pre-iTBS) and after iTBS (i.e., post-iTBS). There will be approximately 5 minutes between the pre and post EEG recordings. The change between pre-iTBS and post-iTBS is the outcome variable.
Change in Theta-Gamma Coupling after Active iTBS	EEG recording will be obtained while the participant completes the Sternberg Spatial Working Memory Test (SWMT). The coupling between theta phase and gamma amplitude will be extracted from the EEG during encoding and maintaining demands. The change between pre and post a single iTBS session will be calculated.	Theta-gamma coupling will be obtained immediately before (i.e., pre-iTBS) and after iTBS (i.e., post-iTBS). There will be approximately 5 minutes between the pre and post EEG recordings. The change between pre-iTBS and post-iTBS is the outcome variable.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Bradley Hospital

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 1, 2022
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 15, 2022
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 15, 2022
• First Posted (Actual): December 22, 2022

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 1, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 27, 2026
• Last Verified: August 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Memory Disorders
• Other Study ID Numbers: BradleyHK23

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No