Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in childhood and adolescence. It is characterized by age-inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and is associated with long-term academic, social, and mental health problems (1, 2). Both pharmacotherapy and behavior therapy yield short-term symptom reduction in individuals with ADHD. Psychostimulants, in particular, have been shown to improve attention and to decrease activity levels in children in the short term. However, their impact on academic performance and quality of life is low (3, 4), and initial symptomatic effects are not usually sustained on long-term follow-up (5, 6). The unproven long-term efficacy of commonly used ADHD drugs, together with concerns in regard to adverse effects of medication, which can be as serious as growth retardation and severe cardiovascular events (7, 8), has led to a search for alternative treatment options.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry
Growing evidence suggests that nutrients, diet, and other lifestyle factors may play a role in the pathophysiology and management of mental disorders [14], including Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [15, 16]
Major dietary compounds proposed to be helpful in the treatment of ADHD include micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
Summary
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. Growing evidence suggests that nutrients, diet, and other lifestyle factors may play a role in the pathophysiology and management of mental disorders [14], including ADHD [15, 16]. Since blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) have been found to be significantly decreased in children with ADHD compared to controls, numerous clinical studies have examined the effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on ADHD symptoms.
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