ADHD

Mindfulness-based interventions for adults with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Kim HH, Jung NH · Medicine · 2025

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently persists into adulthood and is associated with impairments in attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and quality of life. Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been proposed as promising non-pharmacological treatments, the evidence regarding their efficacy in adults with ADHD remains inconsistent. A systematic search was conducted using the MEDLine, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases to identify controlled trials published up to 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of MBIs in adults with ADHD using a control group, regardless of randomization. Only studies in which mindfulness was the primary therapeutic modality were included, even if limited psychoeducational or behavioral components were present. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were categorized into 6 domains: self-reported and observer-rated ADHD symptoms, negative and positive affect, mindfulness skills, an

Effects of game-based digital therapeutics on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents as assessed by parents or teachers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oh S, Choi J, Han DH, Kim E · European child & adolescent psychiatry · 2024

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset disorder characterized by pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Despite the available treatment options and prevention measures, conventional treatments have several limitations. Digital therapeutics (DTx) like EndeavorRx® is an emerging alternative to overcome these limitations. EndeavorRx® is the first FDA-approved, game-based DTx approved for the treatment of pediatric ADHD. We investigated the effects of game-based DTx in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on children and adolescents with ADHD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases up to January 2022. The protocol was registered (CRD42022299866). The assessor was defined as parents and teachers. The primary outcome was differences in inattention reported by the assessor, and the secondary outcome was differences in hyperactivity and hyperactivity/impulsivity reported by the asses

Efficacy of Gamified Digital Mental Health Interventions for Pediatric Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Bryant BR, Sisk MR, McGuire JF · JAMA pediatrics · 2024 · n=2911

Anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect up to 20% of children and adolescents. Despite demonstrated efficacy, evidence-based treatments for these conditions are often inaccessible; innovative solutions are essential to meet the demand for pediatric mental health care. To examine the efficacy and moderators of gamified DMHIs for anxiety, depression, and ADHD in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for children and adolescents. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science was conducted for RCTs published before March 20, 2024. RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of gamified DMHIs for treating pediatric ADHD, depression, or anxiety were included. Studies were excluded if they did not use a gamified DMHI, provide sufficient data for effect sizes, or were unavailable in English. Efficacy data were extracted from rating scales for ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Extracted moderator variables included participant characteristics (eg, age and

Treatments for ADHD in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Peterson BS, Trampush J, Maglione M, Bolshakova M, Rozelle M, Miles J · Pediatrics · 2024

Effective treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is essential to improving youth outcomes. This systematic review provides an overview of the available treatment options. We identified controlled treatment evaluations in 12 databases published from 1980 to June 2023; treatments were not restricted by intervention content. Studies in children and adolescents with clinically diagnosed ADHD, reporting patient health and psychosocial outcomes, were eligible. Publications were screened by trained reviewers, supported by machine learning. Data were abstracted and critically appraised by 1 reviewer and checked by a methodologist. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Strength of evidence and applicability assessments followed Evidence-based Practice Center standards. In total, 312 studies reported in 540 publications were included. We grouped evidence for medication, psychosocial interventions, parent support, nutrition and supplements, neurofeedback, neuros

A systematic review of the beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on ADHD.

Allahyari P, Abbas Torki S, Aminnezhad Kavkani B, Mahmoudi Z, Mousavi Hoseini MS, Moradi M · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2024

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from probiotics and prebiotics, but the effects are unclear. To determine whether probiotics and prebiotics affect children with ADHD, a systematic review was conducted. The present systematic review analyzed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that examined whether prebiotics and probiotics are associated with ADHD. Seven randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. Research on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic supplementation showed that children with ADHD had better emotional, physical, social, and school functioning, and a higher health-related quality of life compared to the placebo group. The studies also showed that Synbiotic 2000 reduces markers of intestinal and vascular inflammation in children with ADHD, in part through increasing SCFA levels. The use of probiotics and prebiotics as adjuvants therapy in patients with ADHD is beneficial. Further

Herbal medicines in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An updated systematic review of clinical trials.

Golsorkhi H, Qorbani M, Sabbaghzadegan S, Dadmehr M · Avicenna journal of phytomedicine · 2023

This study was performed to provide an updated systematic review of herbal medicines and phytochemicals used for treatment of the pediatric patients with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were investigated from 1st January 2000 to late October 2021. Interventional studies published in English language, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or open-label clinical studies, which evaluated the effect of herbal medicines and phytochemicals on pediatric ADHD were included in this review. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several pieces of evidence support the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba L. and Pycnogenol; mainly inconclusive evidence could be found for Valeriana officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., and ginseng. The results showed that while Hypericum perforatum L. was ineffective for ADHD, Passiflora incarnata L., Crocus sativus L, and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management

NICE

This guideline covers recognising, diagnosing and managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, young people and adults. It aims to improve diagnosis and management of ADHD, so that people can get the right support at the right time.

Effectivity of Saffron Extract (Saffr'Activ) on Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Clinical Effectivity Study.

Blasco-Fontecilla H, Moyano-Ramírez E, Méndez-González O, Rodrigo-Yanguas M, Martin-Moratinos M, Bella-Fernández M · Nutrients · 2022 · n=27

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder worldwide. Choice treatment includes psychostimulants, but parents tend to be reluctant to administer them due to side effects, and alternatives are needed. Saffron extract is a natural stimulant that has been proven safe and effective for treating a variety of mental disorders. This study compares the efficacy of saffron and the usual treatment with methylphenidate, using objective and pen-and-paper tests. We performed a non-randomized clinical trial with two groups, methylphenidate (n = 27) and saffron (n = 36), in children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. Results show that the efficacy of saffron is comparable to that of methylphenidate. Saffron is more effective for treating hyperactivity symptoms, while methylphenidate is more effective for inattention symptoms.

Micronutrients for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youths: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

Johnstone JM, Hatsu I, Tost G, Srikanth P, Eiterman LP, Bruton AM · Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry · 2022

To evaluate whether micronutrients (vitamins/minerals) benefit attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and irritability in a North American pediatric sample. A 3-site, 8-week, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of micronutrients was conducted in nonmedicated children aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD and at least 1 impairing irritability symptom by parent report on the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5). A priori-defined primary outcomes were Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) (CGI-I of 1 or 2 = treatment responder) and parent-rated CASI-5 composite score of ADHD, oppositional defiant, disruptive mood dysregulation, and peer conflict symptoms, including impairment scores. Of 135 randomized (mean age 9.8 years), 126 youths (93%) comprised the modified intention-to-treat population. Blinding was maintained. For the CGI-I, 54% of the micronutrient and 18% of the placebo group were responders (risk ratio = 2.97, 97.5% CI = 1.50, 5.9

The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial.

Hemamy M, Pahlavani N, Amanollahi A, Islam SMS, McVicar J, Askari G · BMC pediatrics · 2021

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by varying severity in attention deficit and hyperactivity. Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of magnesium and vitamin D in people with ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on mental health in children with ADHD. We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 66 children with ADHD. Participants were randomly allocated to receive both vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) plus magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) supplements (n = 33) or placebos (n = 33) for 8-weeks. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire was used to evaluate children's mental health at baseline and the end of the study. After eight weeks of intervention, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and magnesium increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Als

A western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence.

Horner D, Jepsen JRM, Chawes B, Aagaard K, Rosenberg JB, Mohammadzadeh P · Nature metabolism · 2025

Despite the high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, the influence of maternal diet during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment remains understudied. Here we show that a western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with child neurodevelopmental disorders. We analyse self-reported maternal dietary patterns at 24 weeks of pregnancy and clinically evaluated neurodevelopmental disorders at 10 years of age in the COPSAC2010 cohort (n = 508). We find significant associations with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism diagnoses. We validate the ADHD findings in three large, independent mother-child cohorts (n = 59,725, n = 656 and n = 348) through self-reported dietary modelling, maternal blood metabolomics and foetal blood metabolomics. Metabolome analyses identify 15 mediating metabolites in pregnancy that improve ADHD prediction. Longitudinal blood metabolome analyses, incorporating five ti

Benefits and harms of ADHD interventions: umbrella review and platform for shared decision making.

Gosling CJ, Garcia-Argibay M, De Prisco M, Arrondo G, Ayrolles A, Antoun S · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2025

To assess the effects of and related evidence certainty of interventions for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across an individual's lifespan, and to develop a continuously updated web platform for people with lived experience of ADHD as a method to disseminate living evidence synthesis for shared decision making. Umbrella review and platform for shared decision making. Six databases from inception to 19 January 2025. Study authors were contacted for additional information when necessary. Systematic reviews that used meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials were eligible if they compared a drug or non-drug intervention with a passive control in individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD. Primary outcomes were severity of ADHD symptoms, analysed by rater type (clinician-rated, parent-rated, teacher-rated, or self-rated) and time point (short term (12 weeks, or study endpoint), medium term (26 weeks), and long term (52 weeks)),acceptability (participants dropping out for

Dietary Interventions and Supplements for Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Recommendations.

Abhishek F, Gugnani JS, Kaur H, Damera AR, Mane R, Sekhri A · Cureus · 2024

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly impacts children's neurological development, behaviour, and overall well-being, affecting academic performance and social interactions. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of dietary interventions (DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, Vitamin D3 supplementation, magnesium, and impact of artificial food colors and marine oils) and supplements alongside standard pharmacotherapy in managing ADHD symptoms. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we extensively searched various databases for studies published from 2016 to 2022. Out of an initial pool of 7873 records, 14 randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria following rigorous screening. Our findings suggest that gluten-free diets may alleviate ADHD symptoms despite negative celiac serology, highlighting the role of non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Moreover, vita

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

NIH/MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus provides reliable information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources about ADHD, covering symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.

Mental disorders: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

WHO

The WHO provides a fact sheet on ADHD, outlining key facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches from a global health perspective. It aims to raise awareness and provide general information about the disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

NHS

This official NHS page offers comprehensive information on ADHD, covering its symptoms, causes, diagnosis process, and treatments available in the UK. It is a key resource for public health information on the condition.

Clinical and Pharmacogenetic Study of Attention Deficit With Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

n=885 · NCT00483106 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common behavioral problem during childhood. It is estimated that up to 80% of this disorder could be related to genetic factors. The most common treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. In this study, the researchers investigate the effect of genetic variants in increasing the risk for behaviours pertinent to ADHD or in modulating the response of these behaviours to methylphenidate. Response to methylphenidate is evaluated through a double blind placebo controlled one week study.

Double-blind, Randomized, Parallel Group, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Atomoxetine on Impulsivity in Behavioral Laboratory Tasks in Adult ADHD Patients

n=63 · NCT05278104 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

The primary objectives are to investigate the effect of atomoxetine on impulsivity after single dose and at steady state measured by the total score of Barrett Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11) and Short Urgency, Perseverance, Premeditation, and Sensation Seeking-Positive Urgency Impulsive Behavior Scale (S-UPPS-P) Impulsive Behavior Scale. The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety of atomoxetine.

Development of a Virtual Reality Application for the Diagnosis of Childhood ADHD: an Exploratory Study

n=30 · NCT04561713 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

The aim of this study is to develop an application in order to identify the most relevant cognitive and behavioral parameters for the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in conditions closer to reality

Cochrane reviews on ADHD

Cochrane

Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews and meta-analyses on various interventions for ADHD. It aggregates high-quality evidence to inform healthcare decision-making.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evidence summary

TRIP Database

TRIP Database offers a federated search of high-quality evidence for ADHD, including clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and primary research. It helps clinicians find relevant and reliable information quickly.

Cochrane Library: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Cochrane

The Cochrane Library provides a collection of high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making, including systematic reviews on interventions for ADHD. It aggregates research to assess effectiveness of treatments.