Combined ω3 and ω6 supplementation in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refractory to
Hemamali Perera1, Kamal Chandima Jeewandara, Sudarshi Seneviratne
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. hemamali_p@yahoo.com
Insights
Supplementation with ω3 and ω6 fatty acids improved behavior and academic performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who did not respond to standard treatment. Improvements were noted in restlessness, aggressiveness, and academic tasks after six months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Methylphenidate and behavior therapy are standard ADHD treatments, but some children show limited response.
- Nutritional interventions, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are being explored for ADHD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ω3 and ω6 fatty acid supplementation in children with ADHD unresponsive to standard treatment.
- To assess the impact of supplementation on behavioral and academic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving children aged 6-12 years with ADHD.
- Participants received either a combined ω3 and ω6 preparation or a placebo for 6 months.
- Outcomes were assessed using parental self-assessment checklists at 3 and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in the treatment group compared to placebo for restlessness, aggressiveness, task completion, and academic performance (P < .01).
- Improvements in inattention, impulsivity, and cooperation with parents/teachers became statistically significant at 6 months (P < .05).
- Distractibility did not show significant improvement.
Conclusions:
- Combined ω3 and ω6 fatty acid supplementation can be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for children with ADHD who have not responded adequately to methylphenidate and behavior therapy.
- Supplementation may improve specific ADHD-related symptoms and academic functioning over a 6-month period.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and optimal dosages.
Abstract:
Children (6-12 years) with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being treated with methylphenidate and standard behavior therapy for more than 6 months, whose parents reported no improvement in behavior and academic learning, were randomly assigned to receive supplementation with a combined ω3 and ω6 preparation or a placebo. Outcome was measured at 3 and 6 months after treatment using a self-assessment checklist completed by the parents. Statistically significant improvement was found in the treatment group compared with the placebo group (P < .01) in the following measures: restlessness, aggressiveness, completing work, and academic performance. Statistically significant improvement was not found at 3 months of treatment between groups but was evident at 6 months of treatment (P < .05) with inattention, impulsiveness, and cooperation with parents and teachers. Distractibility failed to show improvement. Effect sizes ranged from 0.3 to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.2 to 1.4 at 6 months for individual symptom variables.
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