Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use is rising in the general population.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly impacts children's lives, prompting families to explore various treatment options.
• There is a lack of comprehensive data on CAM utilization within pediatric ADHD clinical samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the lifetime incidence of CAM use in children diagnosed with ADHD.
• To evaluate parents' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of CAM for managing ADHD symptoms.
• To ascertain the proportion of families that disclose their CAM usage to their pediatrician.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 105 families with children aged 5-17 years diagnosed with ADHD attending a specialist clinic.
• The survey collected data on lifetime and current use of various CAM therapies.
• Data analysis focused on incidence, perceived effectiveness, reasons for use, and communication with healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of families (67.6%) reported using CAM for their children with ADHD.
• Modified diets, vitamins/minerals, and dietary supplements were the most commonly reported CAM therapies.
• Effectiveness perceptions varied, with symptom minimization and augmenting conventional treatment being key motivators for CAM use.

Conclusions:

• CAM therapies are commonly utilized by children with ADHD, indicating a need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals.
• Pediatricians should proactively inquire about CAM use to provide informed guidance.
• Open communication regarding CAM is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and ensuring patient safety.