What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 3% to 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States. While it is commonly seen of as an American condition, these data have been demonstrated to be valid on a global basis as well. With the illness receiving so much attention in recent years, many people are already familiar with the fundamental symptoms of inability to concentrate or being excessively hyper. However, the illness does vary, and each has its own unique set of symptoms.
There are three types of ADHD
This kind is distinguished by an inability to pay attention or follow directions without trouble. People with this personality type frequently struggle to focus or complete tasks because they are easily distracted. They frequently forget routines. This has an impact on how well children perform in school, and it is not uncommon for homework to be incomplete or class teachings to be poorly comprehended as a result of the child’s inability to pay attention.
Predominately hyperactive/impulsive
This type is common among ADHD patients who struggle to maintain a consistent sleeping schedule or sit still for extended periods of time. Impulsiveness also has an impact on social life, as people with Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD may say inappropriate things and interrupt others. Children with this personality type may struggle to interact with their peers at school and are frequently disciplined for disrupting class.
Combined Type
This type combines the other two. While someone with mixed ADHD may not have all of the symptoms of adhd , they will exhibit at least one of each.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact origins of ADHD are unknown, although the primary possibilities include genetics, lead exposure, and food. Genetics is a possible reason, but no definitive link between genetic inheritance and ADHD has been discovered. When it comes to lead exposure, several localities have already taken steps to remove lead paint from their buildings. So there isn’t much you can do about those two potential causes.
Diet, on the other hand, can be manipulated to alter the disorder. Sugar consumption in children was once assumed to cause ADHD, but years of medical research have yet to show this link. However, the study has identified another dietary element that could play a significant role: omega-3 insufficiency.
What Is the Link Between Omega-3 and ADHD?
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognized as an essential component of brain growth and health. The brain is mostly made up of fatty acids, with docosahexaenoic acid, sometimes known as DHA, being the most abundant. The majority of DHA is concentrated in the gray matter, which governs mental processes and how people respond to their surroundings. Children with ADHD have been found to have less gray matter and thinner brain tissue than those without the disease. According to research, children who received omega-3 from their mothers throughout pregnancy and immediately after birth had a decreased risk of developing ADHD. This shows that a high-quality omega-3 supplement may help prevent the causes of ADHD by providing DHA, which is required as a building block to produce a healthy brain. In those who have already developed the disease, a lack of omega-3 may exacerbate the symptoms. In a 1996 study, it was discovered that children with the most frequent ADHD symptoms had lower omega-3 levels than those with less severe symptoms. When omega-3 doses were administered, as in studies conducted in 2007 and 2008, ADHD symptoms improved. The 2007 study recruited children aged 7 to 12 and lasted 15 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, the youngsters given omega-3 exhibited improvement.
Which Types of ADHD Can Benefit from Omega 3?
The ADHD that is most affected by omega-3 fish oil is unknown, and the 2008 study called this into question. After six months, symptoms were reduced by 25%, but only children who were predominantly inattentive appeared to benefit from the omega-3 treatment. A early study published in found that omega-3 supplementation improved symptoms, but it did not specify whether the favorable effects of omega-3 were limited to one type. While the majority of studies indicate that all types will respond to omega-3, further research is needed to identify how each type is affected.
How Does Omega-3 Help With ADHD Treatment?
ADHD is managed with a mix of medication and behavioral therapy. The drugs are mostly central nervous system stimulants, with potential adverse effects including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, stomach aches, and withdrawal. In contrast, fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids do not cause these negative effects and are regarded exceedingly safe to consume. With more investigation, omega-3 could become a healthier alternative in the treatment of ADHD. It is also safe to use in conjunction with current treatment for the disease and may improve the efficacy of those treatments due to the significant link between omega-3 fatty acids and the brain.
