Lifestyle Modifications

NUTRITION

  • There is some/weak evidence that a diet high in refined sugar and saturated fats increases the risk of ADHD, while a healthy diet characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetable may prevent ADHD and hyperactivity (2)
  • Supplementation with vitamin D as an adjunct therapy to methylphenidate may improve symptoms (5)
  • There are mixed findings about the effect of supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids on ADHD symptoms (3, 4)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Exercise may reduce cognitive symptoms in people with ADHD (1)

References

1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395619306168

2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032718329720

3) https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2017160

4) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1226

5) https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cap.2019.0059

Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

​Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font

​Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font