Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Children and Adolescents
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess omega 3/6 fatty acids (eye q) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: 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. Conclusion: 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. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 12(5) 394-401)
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Short-chain fatty acids and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids have not been found to be efficacious in treating ADHD.
“Short-chain fatty acids [108] and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids [109] have not been found to be efficacious.”
From Advances in understanding and treating ADHD (2011) · cites this paper as [109]
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- Authors
- Johnson, M., Östlund, S., Fransson, G., Kadesjö, B., & Gillberg, C.
- Affiliations
- University of Gothenburg (SE)
- Corresponding author
- Johnson, Mats
- Venue
- Journal of Attention Disorders
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2009-03
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 394-401
- ISSN
- 1087-0547 (ISSN-L)
- 1557-1246
- OpenAlex
- W2096024129
- Cited by
- 198
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 19
- FWCI
- 17.78
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Attention Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Keywords
- omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dietary supplementation, children and adolescents, inattentive subtype, neurodevelopmental comorbidities, treatment response, ADHD Rating Scale-IV, Clinical Global Impression Scale
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Autistic Disorder, Child, Double-Blind Method, Dyslexia, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Learning Disabilities, Personality Assessment, Writing, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Comorbidity, Cross-Over Studies, Motor Skills Disorders, Fatty Acids, Omega-6
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