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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Complementary and alternative therapies for pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a descriptive review

H Russell Searight1, Kayla Robertson, Todd Smith

  • 1Department of Psychology, Lake Superior State University, 650 West Easterday Avenue, Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783, USA.

ISRN Psychiatry
|June 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and neurofeedback may be effective ADHD treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 6-8% of children, presenting with impulsivity, distractibility, and inattention.
  • While stimulant medication is the standard ADHD treatment, public controversy and parental interest in alternatives persist.
  • Family physicians and pediatricians manage most pediatric ADHD cases, facing patient queries about various therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for ADHD.
  • To summarize current research on the effectiveness of these CAM approaches.
  • To aid healthcare professionals in advising patients and parents on ADHD treatment options.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of CAM therapies for ADHD.
  • Description of therapies including herbal preparations, supplements, neuro-feedback, and mindfulness.
  • Assessment of research quality and evidence for efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Research on CAM for ADHD is often limited by small sample sizes and lack of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
  • Some evidence suggests potential efficacy for omega-3 fatty acids, zinc supplements, and neuro-feedback.
  • Other CAM therapies like herbal preparations, sugar restriction, cognitive training, meditation, and green space exposure have less robust research support.

Conclusions:

  • CAM therapies are of significant interest to parents of children with ADHD.
  • While conventional treatments remain primary, certain CAM interventions show preliminary promise.
  • Further high-quality research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of CAM for ADHD.

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