Observational study: Matricaria chamomilla may improve some symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been proven to be effective in some cases of ADHD. In this open trial, Matricaria chamomilla, a serotonin and noradrealine reuptake inhibitor, actually used as an antidepressant, has been checked for this indication.


METHODS
Three 14-16-year-old male psychiatric outpatients, diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) have been rated at baseline and while taking Matricaria chamomilla to determine its efficacy as a treatment for ADHD. Improvement was valuated using comparisons of Conners' parent ratings.


RESULTS
Patients' mean scores improved for Conners' hyperactivity, inattention and immaturity factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the sample size is very small and therefore generalization is very difficult, this observation indicates that Matricaria chamomilla might be a slightly effective treatment also for ADHD.
Niederhofer
H
H
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Regional Hospital Bozen, Via Guncina 54/A, 39100 Bolzano, Italy. helmutniederhofer@yahoo.de
D000293:Adolescent; D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D031168:Matricaria; D000081222:Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes; D019370:Observation; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000081222:Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C004497:bisabolol