Essential fatty acids are frequently used in combination with stimulants in the treatment of childhood ADHD however research findings to date are inconsistent. Only a few studies have been done and the results are limited by high drop-out rates and methodological problems. Longer studies using higher doses of essential fatty acids need to be done in order to adequately examine the hypothesis that particular fatty acids result in beneficial long-term changes in the brain required for sustained clinical improvement. The findings of a small open trial on omega-3s (up to 16g/day) added to a stimulant medication suggest that higher daily doses of essential fatty acids correlate with relatively greater clinical improvement in ADHD symptoms. Large placebo-controlled studies are needed to replicate these findings.
To learn more about essential fatty acids and other non-pharmacologic treatments of ADHD and how to use them safely and effectively to treat your ADHD symptoms or those of your child, read my recently published e-book, ADHD–the Integrative Mental Health Solution.