Seeking Alternatives For ADHD

When a child is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD… prescription medication is one treatment option. Some parents seek out alternatives — like fish oil supplements, or behavioral therapy. So European researchers wanted to know which, if any of them, worked.

They analyzed data from 54 studies involving 6 non-drug interventions. In some of the studies participants had no idea what treatment, if any, was allocated In other studies, people had complete knowledge of the intervention.

The team found that when treatment was done under unblinded conditions…there were positive effects for all types of treatments.

However, when the assessments were done blinded, only 2 treatments showed small, but significant effects. Fatty acid supplements, such as Omega 3s and Omega 6s were still found to have a positive impact…. Restricting food dyes did, as well.

Researchers say more evidence is needed to make the case for behavioral interventions, neurofeedback, cognitive training, and restricted elimination diets.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 4 percent and 12 percent of school-aged children have ADHD.