Welcome to the Center for ADHD Research! OHSU established an ADHD research program in 2009, in the Department of Psychiatry. The program became a national leader in this field and officially became the OHSU Center for ADHD Research in 2019.

The Sharp Family’s Abracadabra Foundation launched a $25 million campaign to accelerate progress in this field of research. OHSU is committed to improving mental illness and addiction and this center is one major piece of that effort.

Our mission is to identify causes and find solutions that will create hope for ADHD and mental illness. The work we do will directly help those suffering from ADHD.

ADHD is a developmental condition. Individuals who suffer from it experience extreme inattention, disorganization, overactivity, and impulsivity. Associated challenges include difficulties with anger, risk-taking, planning, being disorganized, and feeling unmotivated. Other more subtle physical signs may be present, such as weak motor control, language or speech problems.

The center seeks breakthroughs in several areas of investigation from genes to brain to behavior. These areas of work are described throughout the site. Please explore this website to learn about our work. We are excited and optimistic about the prospects for continued rapid progress.

Wishing you and your family good health.

Joel Nigg, Ph.D.
Director, Center for ADHD Research
Professor and Vice Chair for Psychology
Oregon Health & Science University