biofeedback. Two meta-analyzes^14,46 and a systematic review⁴⁴ found that a significant reduction in primary ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) was generally observed following neurofeedback treatments. The comparisons made with an effective medication such as Ritalin underline the equivalence and sometimes even the superiority of biofeedback over this classic treatment. It is important to mention that the collaboration of those around them (teachers, parents, etc.) in the treatment plan increases the chances of success and the maintenance of improvements.^14,16.

Le neurofeedback, a variation of biofeedback, is a training technique whereby a person can learn to act directly on the electrical activity of their brain. During the session, the person is connected by electrodes to a monitor which transcribes the brain waves. The device therefore allows the person to know the attention state of their brain when performing a specific task and to “correct” it to restore concentration.

In Quebec, few health professionals practice neurofeedback. You can get information from your doctor, the Order of Nurses of Quebec or the Order of Psychologists of Quebec.

 Homeopathy. In 2005, two randomized clinical trials were published. Only one has given convincing results. This is a 12-week, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 62 children aged 6 to 16 years. They obtained a reduction of at least 50% of their symptoms (impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, mood swings, etc.)¹⁷. The other trial, a pilot experiment, compared the effects of homeopathy to those of a placebo in 43 children aged 6 to 12¹⁸. After 18 weeks, the behavior of children in both groups had improved, but no noticeable difference was observed between the two groups.

 Massage therapy and relaxation. A few trials have tried to demonstrate the benefits of massage therapy in relieving ADHD symptoms.^19-21 . Some positive effects have been obtained, such as a decrease in the degree of hyperactivity and a better ability to concentrate.¹⁹, improved mood, classroom behavior and sense of well-being²¹. Likewise, the practice of yoga or other modes of relaxation might slightly improve behavior.⁴².

 Tomatis method. The treatment of ADHD is one of the main applications of this form of hearing education developed by a French doctor, Dr.^r Alfred A. Tomatis. It is reported to have given very good results in French children with ADHD. However, its effectiveness has not been tested in clinical trials.

According to the Tomatis method, ADHD is attributable to poor sensory integration. Initially, this approach consists of improving the listening skills of the young patient by stimulating their brain and helping them to concentrate on sounds without being distracted. To do this, the patient uses special headphones to listen to cassettes designed for this method and on which we find the music of Mozart, Gregorian chants or even the voice of his mother.

Nutritional approach

According to some researchers, thefood could have a link with the ADHD. This hypothesis is not yet verified, but several studies suggest the usefulness of food supplements or specific diets to reduce ADHD symptoms.^38,42.

 Zinc. According to several studies, a zinc deficiency is associated with more marked symptoms of ADHD. In addition, the results of two placebo trials conducted in Turkey and Iran with 440 children suffering from ADHD indicate that a zinc supplement, alone (150 mg of zinc sulfate for 12 weeks, a very high dose)³³ or combined with a conventional drug (55 mg of zinc sulfate for 6 weeks)³⁴, could help children with this condition. However, further trials will be needed to verify its effectiveness in Western children, who are less at risk of suffering from zinc deficiency.

 Magnesium. In a study of 116 children with ADHD, 95% were found to have signs of magnesium deficiency²⁷. Results from a placebo-free clinical trial in 75 children with ADHD indicate that taking 200 mg of magnesium per day for 6 months decreased manifestations of hyperactivity in children treated with the supplement compared to those who received classic treatment²⁸. Positive results have also been obtained in hyperactive children with simultaneous supplementation of magnesium and vitamin B6.^29,30.

 Feingold diet. In the 1970s, the American physician Benjamin Feingold²² published a work entitled Why Your Child is Hyperactive in which he associated ADHD with food “poisoning”. The D^r Feingold designed a diet as a treatment that has gained some popularity, despite the lack of research confirming the link between diet and ADHD. In his book, the D^r Feingold says he could cure half of his young ADHD patients with diet salicylate free, present in some plants, and without food additives (preservatives or stabilizers, colorants, sweeteners, etc.)^23,45.

Since that time, a few studies have been done on this diet. They gave contradictory results. Some empirical studies support the thesis of Dr.^r Feingold, while others lead to opposite or insufficiently significant results^24,25. The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) recognizes that behavioral improvements have been observed with this diet in studies. However, he argues that, overall, the evidence is weak²⁶. However, in 2007, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on nearly 300 children aged 3 or 8 to 9 years old showed that the consumption of colorants orfood additives artificial increased hyperactivity in children⁴⁰.

 Hypoallergenic diet. Trials have been conducted to assess whether banning the foods most frequently responsible for food allergies (milk, tree nuts, fish, wheat, soy) has an impact on ADHD. For now, the results collected are variable²³. The children most likely to benefit from it are those with a family history of allergies (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, etc.) or migraines.

Research

Other treatments arouse the interest of researchers. Here are a few.

Essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from the family of omega-6 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from the family of omega-3, enter into the composition of the membranes that surround neurons. Studies have found lower blood levels of essential fatty acids in people with ADHD³¹. In addition, the symptoms were more pronounced in people with the lowest rate. This has led some scientists to hypothesize that taking essential fatty acid supplements (for example, evening primrose oil or fish oils) may help in the treatment of ADHD. However, the results of studies conducted so far on essential fatty acid supplements have been inconclusive.^31,41.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Ginkgo is traditionally used to improve cognitive functions. In a 2001 study without a placebo group, Canadian researchers found that taking supplements containing 200 mg of American ginseng extract (Panax quinquefolium) and 50 mg of ginkgo biloba extract (AD-FX®) can reduce symptoms of ADHD³⁵. This preliminary study involved 36 children aged 3 to 17 years who took this supplement twice a day for 2 weeks. In 4, a clinical trial conducted on 2010 children with ADHD compared for 50 weeks the effectiveness of Gingko biloba supplements (6 mg to 80 mg / day) with that of Ritalin®. According to the authors, Ritalin® was more effective than Gingko, whose effectiveness against behavioral disorders is not yet proven.⁴³.

Pycnogenol. According to preliminary studies, Pycnogenol®, an antioxidant extracted from pine bark, may be useful in ADHD³².

Iron supplements. According to some researchers, iron deficiency could contribute to ADHD symptoms. In 2008, a study carried out on 23 children showed the effectiveness of iron supplementation (80 mg / d). The researchers observed results comparable to those of a conventional Ritalin-type treatment. The supplement was given for 12 weeks to 18 children, and 5 were given a placebo. All the children included in the study suffered from iron deficiency, warranting supplementation.³⁹.