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Gamma-linolenic acid for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled comparison to D-amphetamine
L E Arnold1, D Kleykamp, N A Votolato
1Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University, Columbus.
Insights
Efamol, a supplement for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), showed a slight trend in teacher ratings but did not prove effective in this study. Further research on dosage and design is recommended for ADHD treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Investigating non-stimulant treatments for ADHD is crucial due to varying responses and side effects of conventional medications.
- Evening primrose oil (Efamol) is a nutritional supplement containing gamma-linolenic acid, explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and neurological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Efamol compared to placebo and D-amphetamine in treating ADHD symptoms in boys.
- To assess the impact of Efamol on hyperactivity and other behavioral factors in children with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A Latin-square double-crossover design was employed with 18 boys (aged 6-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD.
- Participants received 1-month treatments of placebo, D-amphetamine, and Efamol (8 capsules/day) in a randomized sequence.
- Teacher and parent ratings were used to assess treatment outcomes, focusing on the Conners Hyperactivity Factor.
Main Results:
- Parental ratings did not show significant differences between treatments.
- Teacher ratings indicated a trend suggesting a potential effect of Efamol, falling between placebo and D-amphetamine.
- A statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) was observed solely on the Conners Hyperactivity Factor, suggesting a limited impact.
Conclusions:
- The study did not establish Efamol as a definitively effective treatment for ADHD in this cohort.
- The observed trend and limited significance suggest that dosage and study design may influence outcomes.
- Further research with adjusted dosages and alternative study designs is warranted to explore Efamol's potential in ADHD management.
Abstract:
In a Latin-square double-crossover with random assignment to sequence, 18 boys, aged 6-12 years, with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder received 1 month each of placebo, D-amphetamine, and Efamol (evening primrose oil containing gamma-linolenic acid, with vitamin E as preservative). Parents' ratings were noncontributory. Teachers' ratings showed a trend of Efamol effect between placebo and D-amphetamine. The trend reached significance (p less than 0.05) only on Conners Hyperactivity Factor. Dosage may be crucial; 8 Efamol capsules per day were used in this study. Heuristic data scrutiny suggested possible interaction (sequence effect). Further study with a different design and dose is suggested. This study does not establish Efamol as an effective treatment.