Diet and child behavior problems: fact or fiction?
Dietary treatment of children with behavioral disorders has had wide public appeal and been a source of controversy since the 1920's. Yet, to date, there is little empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of dietary restrictions in treating child psychiatric disorders, in particular, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, the purpose of this article is (a) to provide historical background information regarding dietary treatment in children with behavioral disorders, (b) review the evidence-based literature for common dietary interventions, (c) discuss limitations in the research, including challenges inherent in conducting well-controlled dietary studies, and (d) provide recommendations regarding how nurses in primary care settings can assist families in making informed decisions.
Cormier
Eileen
E
Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, USA.
Elder
Jennifer Harrison
JH
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D002364:Caseins / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005503:Food Additives / Q000009:adverse effects; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D005983:Glutens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration
D002364:Caseins; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D005503:Food Additives; D005983:Glutens