ADHD

Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Westwood SJ, Aggensteiner PM, Kaiser A, Nagy P, Donno F, Merkl D · JAMA psychiatry · 2025 · n=2472

Neurofeedback has been proposed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the efficacy of this intervention remains unclear. To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using probably blinded (ie, rated by individuals probably or certainly unaware of treatment allocation) or neuropsychological outcomes to test the efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD in terms of core symptom reduction and improved neuropsychological outcomes. PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase + Embase Classic), and Web of Science, as well as the reference lists of eligible records and relevant systematic reviews, were searched until July 25, 2023, with no language limits. Parallel-arm RCTs investigating neurofeedback in participants of any age with a clinical ADHD or hyperkinetic syndrome diagnosis were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with Hedges g correction were pooled in random effects meta-analyses for a

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

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Effects of Pharmacological Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Quality of Life.

Bellato A, Perrott NJ, Marzulli L, Parlatini V, Coghill D, Cortese S · Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry · 2025 · n=388

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the effect of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication on quality of life (QoL), and to understand whether this effect differs between stimulants and nonstimulants. From the dataset of a published network meta-analysis (Cortese et al., 20181), updated on 27th February 2023 (https://med-adhd.org/), we identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ADHD medications for individuals aged 6 years or more with a diagnosis of ADHD based on the DSM (from third to fifth editions) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD; ninth or tenth revision), reporting data on QoL (measured with a validated scale). The risk of bias for each RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. Multilevel meta-analytic models were conducted with R 4.3.1. We included 17 RCTs (5,388 participants in total; 56% randomized to active medication) in the meta-analyses. We found that amphetamines (Hedge's g&#xa0

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.

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

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.

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

Sensory Processing in Individuals With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Compared With Control Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Jurek L, Duchier A, Gauld C, Hénault L, Giroudon C, Fourneret P · Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry · 2025 · n=374

To evaluate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and atypical sensory processing patterns. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception until June 30, 2024. Studies examining sensory processing patterns using questionnaires in participants with a diagnosis of ADHD compared with healthy controls were included. The study risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using R Version 4.3.1 software, considering sensory modulation severity atypicities as the primary outcome. The risk of publication bias was explored, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings. After screening 10,750 references, 30 studies (reported in 32 publications) encompassing 5,374 participants were included, with 23 studies focusing on children and 7 focusing on adults. Patients with ADHD presented with significantl

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

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions for ADHD in adults: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis.

Ostinelli EG, Schulze M, Zangani C, Farhat LC, Tomlinson A, Del Giovane C · The lancet. Psychiatry · 2025 · n=887

The comparative benefits and harms of available interventions for ADHD in adults remain unclear. We aimed to address these important knowledge gaps. In this systematic review and component network meta-analysis (NMA), we searched multiple databases for published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD in adults from database inception to Sept 6, 2023. We included aggregate data from RCTs comparing interventions against controls or any other eligible active intervention for the treatment of symptoms in adults (ages ≥18 years) with a formal diagnosis of ADHD. Pharmacological therapies were included only if their maximum planned doses were considered eligible according to international guidelines. We included RCTs of at least 1-week duration for medications, of at least four sessions for psychological therapies, and of any length deemed appropriate for neurostimulation. For RCTs of medications

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.

Inhibition Control of Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

n=60 · NCT01677819 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

The objectives of this study are to investigate: 1. the effect of methylphenidate on attention; 2. the relations between methylphenidate and inhibition control and working memory; 3. the relations between inhibition control and verbal attention and working memory; 4. the effect of methylphenidate on the changes of neuropsychological functioning and blood pressure.

Effects of L-theanine and Caffeine on Attention and Attention-related Brain Activity of Male Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a proof-of- Concept fMRI Study.

n=6 · NCT03533556 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

L-theanine and caffeine are two natural constituents of tea. Both of these compounds are among the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances. Results of several clinical trials the PI and his team has conducted are consistent with results of many others to indicate that oral intake of each of 2.5 mg/kg body weight of L-theanine and 2.0 mg/kg body weight of caffeine is associated with improved attention in adults. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that, when taken in combination, L-theanine and caffeine seem to have additive effects in improving attention in adults. However, the specific actions of these substances have not been examined in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who are characterized by impaired attention, hyperkinesia and impulsivity. Therefore, the investigators plan to study the functional activity of brains (both at rest and when performing standard tasks designed to measure attention) in children diagnosed with ADHD using functional magnetic resonance imaging, after they consume either 2.5 mg/kg of L-theanine, 2.0 mg/kg of caffeine and their combination as compared to a placebo (water). Based on our previous findings, the investigators expect to observe improvements (speed of responding and accuracy) in standard tests of attention with intake of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination as compared to the placebo. The investigators also expect to observe decreased functional activity in brain regions that typically show increased activity during mind wandering with intake of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination.

Risk of Psychopathology and Neurocognitive Impairment in Leukemia Survivors

n=237 · NCT01014195 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

1. This study will evaluate the association between changes in basic cognitive and behavioral functioning by the end of chemotherapy treatment, and the later development of higher order executive functions in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 2. The association between acute treatment-related changes in brain integrity and subsequent brain maturation in long-term survivors of pediatric ALL will be evaluated. 3. The association between patterns of behavioral and executive dysfunction and brain maturation in long-term survivors of pediatric ALL will be examined. 4. The association between genetic polymorphisms in key enzyme pathways and higher order brain development in long-term survivors of pediatric ALL will be explored. 5. The associations between biologic and behavioral indices of fatigue/sleep and higher order brain development in long-term survivors of pediatric ALL will be explored.

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.

Cochrane Library search for 'ADHD'

Cochrane

The Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions for ADHD, offering high-quality evidence to inform healthcare decisions.