This study was just published in the Journal of Attention Disorders. It shows that 47% of patients over time had positive results, especially for inattentive ADD. Quite stunning for a natural supplement. Enjoy.
Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Children and Adolescents by M. Johnsson and colleagues.
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. 2008).
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very interesting, I have started tx with vyvanse after reading your book, healing add.
my sister-in-law is classic inattentive add and was asking questions concerning this.
will let her know. there is data that dha and other omega 3 and 6 f.acids help with mood stabilization. I take supplement for heart and brain health daily.
Omega 3 fatty acid interferes with the expression of 5-LO which is a source of inflamation in the vascular endothielium which restricts blood flow. 5-LO expression causes lipid peroxidation which causes more irratation or damage to the VE and more 5-LO expression. If Omega 3 fatty acid is good for ADD etc. I would guess that a 5-LO inhibitor would be even more benefical and in a much shorter time. Omega 3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA are anti inflammatory but omega 6 fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid or DGLA and especially arachidonic acid or AA are posssibaly pro inflammatory. There are natural 5-LO inhibitors such as CURCUMIN, GINGER ROOT EXTRACT, and BOSWELLIN and the perscription drug ZYFLO (ZILEUTON).
Are Omega 3 fatty acids being discovered or re discovered? A hundred years ago people lined the family up on Saturday night and everyone got a table spoon full of Cod liver oil so everything would go smoothly and the kids could sit still in church on Sunday.
I am not surprised that the test was inconclusive. In a world where omega 6 is way too dominant in our diets, adding omega 3/6 leaves the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 much the same. No change is the first result I would expect. The second result could be some improvement as in an omega 3 deficient diet the introduction of at least some omega 3 even together with omega 6 may have some benefit. Does nobody in the scientific world pay attention to some of the research out there? One book that comes to mind illustrates what I am saying. Dr. Barry Sears and his book “The Anti Inflammation Zone”. There are plenty of sources that have already studied the imballance of omega 3 and 6 and what it does to the body. What a waste of a study and more importantly how misleading.
This is great news! Are there any studies about the longterm effects of taking adderall xr and/or stratera on the brain or other organs? I have been taking Concerta to adderall to now a mixture of adderall xr, stratera and tenex since 2 nd grade and I am now 16. I cannot function without the medication. I seem to be in the sub group for inattentive add.
Can you tell me how much fish oil to us,for a 7 yr old female,with adhd/aspergers syndrome?And is CoQ10,as effective,as fish oil?
Dr Amen,
I have seen you on PBS and read a number of your books as well as Googled your resaerch and I am fascinated by your work. I cannot find any research by you relating the brain injuries found in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to its associated chronic infections(like HHV6, Lyme and EBV). I am suffering with CFS and I have been treated for Chronic Lyme as well by some of the most highly regarded CFS specialists in the country. I had an MRSI done which showed elevated cerebreal lactate and evidence of a mild Chiari1 malformation. I also had abnormal BAER and SSEP tests. I am sure you are aware in the 80’s many physicans found abnormalalities in CFS patients brains using the older SPECT machines. After the CDC altered the CFS definition to include the mentally ill SPECT scans were abandoned as a diagnostic tool for CFS. This was done inspite of overwhelming evidence of immune problems, neurological problems, and cardiovascular issues in those of us with “REAL CFS”. Have you done any research in this area?…If not I hope you will consider it…I would be happy to participate if you need subjects.
Thanks,
Bill
I feel like I’m repeating myself, because I posted similar comments on the blog about a high fat diet being good for epilepsy.
So… what would the appropriate diet be for someone who has petit mal (absence) epilepsy, and who comes out as Inattentive ADD on your questionnaire?
How many packets should I take, of the CorOmega fish oil (omega3)? Should I just experiment? Is there an amount that would be too much?
I currently have a high carb diet… pizza, pastas, pancakes, ice cream, and the occasional hot dog, hamburger, meatloaf, chicken… and a lot of milk(1%), and about 3 protein drinks per week.
My quality of decision making, memory and follow thru at work, is pathetic! (I’m a computer programmer and it is jeopardizing my job!!!)
My teaching of karate lacks cohesion (I get the students what they need, but having a structure is a great challenge)
The place I perform the best, is the place that provides the most enjoyment, but has zero chance of providing an income… playing paintball – I’m very strategic and effective and almost always attentive to my surroundings…
I wish I was that way at work!
What can I do?????
Here in the UK there’s beeen a similar trial of the same supplement involving primary schoolchildren, with some very good results, also including the neurodevelopmental side. I have now started to take it.
Dear Dr. Amen:
I have two grandchildren, ages 4 and 1 month. My daughter and son-in-law are wonderful parents and are working very hard to give the children every concern and attention.
My daughter is an ovo lacto vegetarian and insists (for moral — animal rights — reaons) on raising her children in this manner. Our granddaughter is 4 now; sensitive, bright, inquisitive, but has some signs of inattentive ADD (complete unwilligness to engage in any activity that is not interesting to her). How can I bring up the subject of fish oil with them in such a way as not to start WWIII? I want very much to help, but in a constructive way. I can send the study, but to my daughter it will be “just one more piece of propaganda (probably funded by the fish oil producers)…
I am interested in knowing which of the supplements containing Omega 3 that are best. With the large variety of available supplements out there it can be confusing on which is best. I have Adhd and take Stratera. It seems to do the trick for calming and focusing me. However, I seem still to be a little flighty especially later in the day. Do you have any guidelines that you use when choosing a Omega 3 supplement?
Thanks,
Tony
Does anyone know of a fish oil for ADD that a 16 year ols with a highly sensitive taste buds can take? What dosage would owrk for a 16 year old and a 13 year old?
I am 44 years old and have struggled my whole life with what I think is ADD. I’ve been put on many medications but did not see much improvement. I have tried FISH OIL and noticed an increase in my ability to focus BUT, as with ritalin and the like, I become very easily agitated after a few hours. Can someone explain this ?
JD
Dear Dr. Amen ;This is a request . I’m a retired RN, (a very old one, at that !) Going on 80+. One of my sisters died at 79 the last of January, this year. was diagnosed as senile dementia . Her lifelong nutrition may have had a bearing on her death. She had fragile bones and could not tolerate milk and eggs. Cognitively, she was sharp , and had a really nice sense of humor. But she is dead ! I, on the other hand have not had so much as a headache or cold over many years. I am taking some of the usual prescribed meds for blood pressure control, Evista for osteoporosis prevention and detrol for bladder control. I have taken OTC supplements including generic fish oil over many years. Recently attention has focused on the possible preventive qualities of fish oil on Alzheimers. Is there a particular kind that is readily available ? Please advise. Thanks !
I am a 34 yr old with adhd and I take Concerta 36 mg. I can take naps all the time on it. How do I know if I need to increase my dosage? I still feel myself wondering in my mind. How do I know if my dosage is correct? Also as the gentlemen above said, At the end of the day I feel like my mind is driving in a rainstorm with really bad windshield wipers. During the day it feels like I’m still driving in the rain storm except I have great windshield wipers, yet it’s always foggy out.
I have started taking Omega… and it seems to be helping, I also take b-vitamins daily.
What to do…?
for shelly who is looking for tasty fish oil. Nordic naturals makes a lemon flavored capsule. a 16 year old can take 1-2 per day. they also make a chewable citrus flavored tablet for younger kids. great product without mercury concerns.
Hi Dr. Amen,
i am an adult with bipolar 2 and ADHD. i am on disability for my condition and therefore have medicare insurance. the medications for the bipoar work well, but i have tried everything from strattera to vyvanse for the adhd and i have recieved no relief.i would love more than anything to go to your clinic the but i don’t have the funds. i contacted all the bay area doctors on your referral section of the website and all the bay area doctors listed at the end of your book and no one takes medicare. i have tried all the hospitals as well in the Bay area for referrals and still no luck. How would you reccomend i go about finding a really good psychiatrist who takes medicare? maybe if i get help, i can get better so i won’t need to be on disability/meducare! i hope! okay, hope to hear from you.
My 8 son is on 10 mg of Adderall. I would like to eventually get him off the medicine. However, there is a HUGE difference in his concentration and school work when he is on the Adderal. Can I give him fish oil and Adderal at the same time? I have ordered the EPA Fish Oil and multi vit from your site. If so how much fish oil should I give him w/ or w/out the Adderall?
Thank you,