Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect children and adults, impacting various aspects of life, including academics, work, and relationships. The treatment of ADHD often involves a multimodal approach. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly prescribed and have effectively reduced symptoms.
Behavioral interventions, such as parent training and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve self-control. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can contribute to symptom management. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs to promote better functioning and overall well-being.
Clinical Trial
A clinical trial investigated non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD. Researchers conducted a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Omega-3/6 dietary supplement in improving inattentive symptoms in children (6-12 years) with ADHD who had a baseline ADHD-RS-Inattention score of 12 or higher. Secondary objectives included assessing changes in global functioning, the severity of illness, depression and anxiety symptoms, learning disorders, and fatty acid blood levels.In the phase I clinical trial, the efficacy, and safety of the Omega-3/6 supplement versus placebo were evaluated over six months. Phase II trial involved an additional 6-month open-label treatment with Omega-3/6 for all participants. A total of 160 subjects were enrolled in the study.
Results
After the initial six months, no significant difference was observed between the Omega-3/6 and placebo groups regarding the primary outcome measure, the ADHD-RS-Inattention score. Both groups had similar percentages of responders, with 46.3% in the Omega-3/6 group and 45.6% in the placebo group. The active treatment group did show a slight, but not statistically significant, reduction in the Omega-6/3 ratio blood levels.At the 12-month follow-up, the percentages of responders remained comparable between the two groups. There was a mild statistical improvement in the overall ADHD symptom score (ADHD-RS-total) in the Omega-3/6 group, although it was not clinically significant. There was no improvement observed specifically in the ADHD-RS-Inattention score. Additionally, the active treatment group saw a slight, non-statistically significant reduction in the Omega-6/3 ratio during Phase II.