Delay Aversion, Temporal Processing, and N-3 Fatty Acids Intake in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This study investigates the association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and neurocognitive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recruited 21 drug-naïve children diagnosed with ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical psychological science 2016-11, Vol.4 (6), p.1094-1103
Main Authors: Chang, Jane Pei-Chen, Jingling, Li, Huang, Ya-Ting, Lu, Yu-Ji, Su, Kuan-Pin
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:This study investigates the association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and neurocognitive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recruited 21 drug-naïve children diagnosed with ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and 21 non-ADHD controls. The n-3 intake and essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency severity were recorded while the children were assessed for inhibitory control, delay aversion, and temporal processing with the Go/No Go Task, Delayed Reaction Time Task, and Finger Tapping Task, respectively. The ADHD group had more EFA deficiency symptoms (p = .02) and poorer performance in delay aversion (p = .02) and temporal processing (p < .001). Moreover, ADHD symptoms correlated negatively with n-3 intake and positively with EFA deficiency. In addition, EFA deficiency was associated with higher delay aversion (p < .001). Children with ADHD had a higher deficiency of EFA, and EFA deficiency had a positive association with ADHD severity and delay aversion.
ISSN:2167-7026
2167-7034
DOI:10.1177/2167702616637820