Dynamic Relationships Between Estrogen Fluctuations, Sleep, and Psychiatric Complexity Among Adolescent Females With ADHD: A Pilot Study (DREAMS)

September 1, 2026 updated by: Duke University
The purpose of the study is to establish the feasibility of collecting E2, Garmin-measured sleep, and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of ADHD and related symptoms (mood, anxiety, executive functioning) across menstrual cycles among 20 peripubertal female adolescents aged 11-15 with ADHD, and to explore links between within-individual E2 variability, sleep, and EMA-derived outcomes.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

The overall objective is to establish the feasibility of collecting estradiol (E2), Garmin-measured sleep, and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of ADHD and related symptoms (mood, anxiety, executive functioning) among adolescent females with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and explore the links between within-individual E2 variability and EMA-derived outcomes, across menstrual cycles in this population. We aim to establish sufficient pilot data to support a R01 proposal focused on characterizing relationships between E2 across the menstrual cycle, sleep, ADHD symptoms, and related symptomatology in adolescent females with ADHD. Participants will complete an initial screening visit answering questionnaires related to puberty, ADHD, and sleep to establish eligibility. After completing a device training session, we will ask participants to provide daily urine E2 samples and EMA brief assessments of ADHD and related clinical features (i.e., mood, executive functioning, sleep) over 2 menstrual cycles (~56 days). Sleep will be assessed continuously over the study period via convenient wearable (Garmin watch). Feasibility of protocol will be assessed as days of successful E2 data collection, EMA completion, and Garmin wear. Feasibility benchmark=80% actual/anticipated data collection. Multilevel modeling will explore the relationship between within-person changes in E2, ADHD symptoms and related clinical outcomes, and whether sleep strengthens (moderates) these relationships.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

30

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Female adolescents ages 11-15 with ADHD in the Duke University Health System

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Female;
  • Ages 11-15;
  • Within 2 years of first menstrual cycle (menarche);
  • Parent-reported ADHD diagnosis and T score ≥65 on Inattention and/or Hyperactivity/Impulsivity via Conners
  • Access to internet and smartphone device with capacity to download the intervention App (iOS and Android);

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Reported psychotic or bipolar disorder, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome;
  • Current suicidality/self-harm;
  • Plans to initiate/change psychotropic or sleep medications during participation

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Adolescent Females with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Participants will complete an initial screening visit answering questionnaires related to puberty, ADHD, and sleep to establish eligibility. After completing a device training session, participants will be asked to provide daily urine E2 samples and EMA brief assessments of ADHD and related clinical features (i.e., mood, executive functioning, sleep) over 2 menstrual cycles (~56 days).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Feasibility of Collecting Estradiol (E2)
Time Frame: 56 Days
The percentage of actual E2 data collected compared to anticipated E2 data collected
56 Days
Feasibility of Collecting Garmin Data
Time Frame: 56 Days
The percentage of actual Garmin data collected compared to anticipated Garmin data collected
56 Days
Feasibility of Collecting Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA)
Time Frame: 56 Days
The percentage of actual EMA data collected compared to anticipated EMA data collected
56 Days

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Duke University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Jessica Lusnford-Avery, Ph.D., Duke University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 1, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

September 4, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

September 4, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 1, 2026

Last Verified

September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Pro00120484

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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