Gamma-linolenic acid for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled comparison to D-amphetamine.
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.
Arnold
L E
LE
Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University, Columbus.
Kleykamp
D
D
Votolato
N A
NA
Taylor
W A
WA
Kontras
S B
SB
Tobin
K
K
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid
D008042:Linolenic Acids; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid; D003913:Dextroamphetamine