The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Children with ADHD: Snake Oil or Legitimate Treatment Option

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common developmental disorder of childhood. Once children are diagnosed with ADHD, their parents face the daunting task of choosing from a plethora of treatment options for their child---such as medication, behavior management, biofeedback, and dietary restrictions, to name a few. Parents are often reluctant to begin a trial of the stimulant or non-stimulant medications due to side effects, stigma, and unknown impact on long-term health. Thus parents may choose to explore alternative or natural remedies to treat their child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, even though these remedies often have a stigma of their own. One treatment option includes a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or omega-3 supplements. Generally speaking, there is increasing evidence suggesting omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in overall health and more specifically provide neuro-protective qualities in brain functioning.;The purpose of this project is to evaluate the existing evidence of the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids as a viable treatment for children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Results of the controlled study at Yale University indicate dietary supplementation with fish oil showed a small but statistically significant reduction in ADHD symptoms.;The conclusion is that more research needs to occur regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on children with ADHD. Therefore, a research proposal has been recommended in order to determine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of ADHD.