Led by Lenard A. Adler, MD, the Adult ADHD Program conducts research to further the understanding and development of new scales for the screening, diagnosis, and assessment of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with helping identify novel treatments.

In conjunction with Ronald Kessler, MD, at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Adler helped create the evidence-based 18-question Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-Version1.1 Symptom Checklist and the weighted 6-question Adult ADHD Self Report Screener. Both tools are validated for the DSM-5 and have been a valuable part of Dr. Adler’s research.

Dr. Adler also developed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for the DSM-5, which was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

As part of his work with the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders, Dr. Adler is a member of the steering committee for developing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD.

Research Faculty

• Lenard A. Adler, MD
• Deepti Anbarasan, MD
• Marianne T. Guschwan, MD

Clinical Studies

Clinical studies on adult ADHD in NYU Langone’s Department of Psychiatry concentrate on improving the understanding of the causes of this psychiatric condition, developing more effective treatments, and achieving precision medicine so that individual patients are matched to the optimal treatment for their unique condition.

Experimental treatments under study include novel psychotherapies, medications, and neuromodulatory treatments, including neurofeedback.

The following research study, funded by Collegium Pharmaceutical, is currently enrolling participants.

An Open-Label Treatment with Randomization Observation, Investigator-Initiated Study, on the Duration and Efficacy of Jornay PM (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules) on Adult ADHD Symptoms and Executive Function and Emotional Regulation Throughout the Day into Early Evening (S19-01325; PI: Lenard A. Adler)

The purpose of this trial is to extend the safety and efficacy evidence basis for Jornay PM in adults with ADHD. This open-label treatment study will examine the safety and efficacy of Jornay PM on the expanded Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS), which includes assessments of inattention (IA), hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI), executive function deficits (EFD) and emotional dysregulation (EC). 

Approximately 40 subjects will be consented, 18 may screen fail, to gain 22 subjects, which will all start on a two-week observation stabilization period for patients before starting treatment with Jornay PM. Subjects found to have ≥30 percent change in their total DSM AISRS scores during the two-week observation stabilization period will be discontinued from the study.

Those randomized to the two-week observation period; not receiving Jornay PM will continue in the study, doing all assessments the same as the group on IP with close attention to changes in health AE/CM and CSSRS. We will also add data to the validity of the ACDS and AISRS using the MINI ADHD Scale for Adults with ADHD. We will use the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM_A) to measure the severity of anxiety at screening. We will also look at change in anxiety from baseline V3 to end of treatment either V8 or V10 pending group assigned. We will examine changes in ratings of functional impairment via the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale (BFIS) at V1 (screening) V3 (initiation) and V8 (those randomized to Observation Period)/V10 (those randomized to additional 2 weeks of Jornay PM). View full clinical trial information.

For more information on this study, please contact Terry Leon, MS, RN, senior clinical research coordinator, at Terry.Leon@NYULangone.org or 646-754-4837.

Contact Us

For more information about adult ADHD research in the Department of Psychiatry, please contact Terry Leon, MS, RN, senior clinical research coordinator, at Terry.Leon@NYULangone.org or 646-754-4837.