Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess omega 3/6 fatty acids (eye q) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
The study included a randomized, 3-month, omega 3/6 placebo-controlled, one-way crossover trial with 75 children and adolescents (8-18 years), followed by 3 months with omega 3/6 for all. Investigator-rated ADHD Rating Scale-IV and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale were outcome measures.


RESULTS
A majority did not respond to omega 3/6 treatment. However, a subgroup of 26% responded with more than 25% reduction of ADHD symptoms and a drop of CGI scores to the near-normal range. After 6 months, 47% of all showed such improvement. Responders tended to have ADHD inattentive subtype and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
A subgroup of children and adolescents with ADHD, characterized by inattention and associated neurodevelopmental disorders, treated with omega 3/6 fatty acids for 6 months responded with meaningful reduction of ADHD symptoms.
Johnson
Mats
M
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. mats.k.johnson@vgregion.se
Ostlund
Sven
S
Fransson
Gunnar
G
Kadesjö
Björn
B
Gillberg
Christopher
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010552:Personality Assessment; D014956:Writing
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6