Omega-3 fish oil as effective as drugs for some children with ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is quite common. It affects about one in 20 children and is three or four times more common in boys than in girls. Children with ADHD, which is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, are more likely to drop out of school. Fortunately, drugs to treat the condition work well for 60-80% of children who take them. But that leaves 20-40% of children who have a poor response to the drugs or who suffer from side effects.
Some studies have shown that omega-3 fish oil may help with ADHD symptoms. What’s more, they’re safe and well-tolerated. However, the results of these studies have been mixed – some children get better, others get worse. We wanted to know whether these results depended on whether or not the children had enough omega-3 in their body to begin with.
Omega-3 fish oil as effective as drugs for some children with ADHD