Association of ADHD and Celiac Disease: What Is the Evidence? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity.
• The potential link between CD and ADHD remains an area of ongoing research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on the association between celiac disease and ADHD.
• To evaluate the evidence for a relationship between these two conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
• All published trials, both controlled and non-controlled, investigating ADHD and CD were included, with no date limitations.
• Reference lists of identified studies were further screened for relevant articles.

Main Results:

• Eight studies were identified that suggested a possible association between CD and ADHD.
• However, the findings across these studies were inconsistent.
• Only three out of the eight studies reported a positive correlation between ADHD and CD.

Conclusions:

• Currently, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support a definitive relationship between ADHD and CD.
• Routine screening for CD in ADHD patients, or vice versa, is not recommended based on the available data.
• Implementing a gluten-free diet as a standard treatment for ADHD is not advised due to the lack of conclusive evidence.