Omega-3 Fish Oil For Add And Adhd

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADD or ADHD, is characterized by impulsive, hyperactive and distracted behavior, and affects between 4 percent and 6 percent of Americans. An ADHD diagnosis is not limited to children, and usually remains throughout a person's lifetime. While fish oil is most often used as a supplement for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, it has increased in popularity for the prevention and treatment of ADHD. Despite promising studies on the efficacy of fish oil for symptoms and treatment of ADHD, more research is needed.

ADD and ADHD

Clinically, ADD or ADHD both represent the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This diagnosis can be separated into three categories: a combined type, a predominantly inattentive type, and a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. ADD may be used generically to describe all types. A diagnosis for ADHD is given only after a person has displayed the symptoms of ADHD in the categories mentioned above for at least 6 months, and usually before age 7. These symptoms usually have a profoundly negative effect on the person's ability to function socially.

Treament of ADHD with Omega-3 Fish Oil

The theory about fish oil for ADHD has to do with the body's need for fatty acids. In fact, 50 percent of the human brain alone is DHA fatty acid. Scientists have hypothesized that because omega-3 fatty acids are so essential to a proper diet because of their effect on brain function and development, a lack of omega-3 in the diet may lead to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A healthy and balanced diet should provide the necessary amounts of omega 3, 6 and 9 oils needed for good health. However, most Americans, including children, are deficient in omega 3. Fish oil supplements can be found at grocery and health food stores, and are usually made from fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut or salmon. However, they may be made out of cod liver, whale blubber, or even seal blubber. A fish oil supplement containing a higher ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids is best.

Research

More studies involving diet changes and the treatment of ADHD have been conducted recently as the theory of diet-related disease has become more accepted. A University of Oxford study published in the May 5, 2005, issue of Pediatrics stated that "A lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder." Another study found that boys were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls because of their higher dietary requirement of omega-3. Although promising research continues, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database continues to categorize fish oil as "possibly effective" for the treatment of ADHD based on available scientific evidence.

Safety

If you think you or a loved one may have ADD or ADHD, it is important to not self diagnose or self medicate the condition. ADD and ADHD can be diagnosed only by your doctor. Regular doses of fish oil are considered safe, though more than 3 grams of fish oil daily may prevent blood clotting and increase the chance of excess bleeding. Talk to your doctor about the best dosage for you.

Considerations

If you or a loved one have already been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, talk to your doctor before beginning any diet modifications, including natural supplementation with omega-3 fish oil. A balanced lifestyle including a healthy diet, exercise and stress management is important to maintain your health naturally. However, medication and supplementation prescribed by your doctor should always be combined with healthy lifestyle habits for best results.