What about diet?
Dietary changes for the treatment of ADHD have been widely used for many years. They take the form of:
- Supplements with substances thought to be lacking. For example, fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, and/or:
- Cutting out foods thought to be harmful. For example, foods containing artificial colouring and other additives.
The subject of diet and its relationship to behaviour, hyperactivity and ADHD is controversial. An editorial in the British Medical Journal by Kemp in 2008 (reference at the end), and the subsequent correspondence, gives a flavour of the issues and controversies. It suggests that there is enough evidence to recommend more research into diet treatments for ADHD.
However, the NICE guideline published in 2008 came to the conclusion that there is no evidence that dietary changes can help children with ADHD, but that "assessment of ADHD should include asking about foods or drinks that appear to influence their hyperactive behaviour. If there is a clear link, healthcare professionals should advise parents or carers to keep a diary of food and drinks taken and ADHD behaviour. If the diary supports a relationship between specific foods and drinks and behaviour, then referral to a dietitian should be offered."
So, in short, diet probably does not cause ADHD and a change in diet may not help in many cases. However, there may be some cases where children do respond to a change in diet or are negatively affected by certain foods or additives. If you notice that a particular ingredient or food makes your child's behaviour worse, then take a note of it and discuss this further with your doctor or a dietician. See the 'further help and information' section for support groups that can provide more information on diet.
Is there anything else available for older children or adults?
In older children, there may be some benefit gained from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or social skills training. These techniques aim to teach your child more about why they act and react the way that they do. They also give them strategies to use to help them to improve their behaviour and daily functioning.
In adults, medication is recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment programme. This should also include psychological treatment, advice on behaviour management and assistance with education and employment.
What is the prognosis (outlook)?
Up to 8 in 10 children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into their teenage years. This decreases to about 5 in 10 who continue to have some symptoms into adulthood. With age, the symptoms may alter. For example, a child who was always restless may feel a lot of inner tension as an adult. It is also likely that the symptoms will reduce in severity and cause less disruption over time.
Children with ADHD are more likely than average to have other problems as adults such as unemployment, relationship difficulties, substance misuse and crime. However, treatment aimed at improving behaviour at an early age aims to reduce the long term impact of the condition.
Further help and information
ADDISS (Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
PO Box 340, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9HL
Tel: 020 8952 2800 Web: www.addiss.co.uk
Hyperactive Children's Support Group
Tel: 01243 539966 Web: www.hacsg.org.uk
This group is a leading proponent of a dietary approach to the problem of hyperactivity.
By Jennifer Shepherd
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