Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which significantly disrupt functioning and development. As one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, ADHD often continues into adulthood, affecting focus, self-regulation, and activity levels. This can result in difficulties across academic, social, and occupational domains. If left untreated, ADHD can have a profound impact on self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Research indicates that higher doses of DHA are associated with significant improvements in various outcome measures in children with ADHD, including reductions in oppositional behaviour, hyperactivity, restlessness, and overall ADHD symptom severity.
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The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a vital omega-3 fatty acid, plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). DHA is essential for maintaining neuronal membrane fluidity, which is crucial for the proper function of dopamine and norepinephrine receptors and transporters. When DHA levels are low, neurotransmission is impaired, particularly in brain regions responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function.
Additionally, DHA deficiency reduces the brain’s supply of anti-inflammatory mediators such as resolvins and protectins, leading to elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and increased oxidative stress. This pro-inflammatory state disrupts neurodevelopmental processes, including neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and downregulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein critical for neuronal growth and plasticity.
DHA deficiency impairs the synthesis and release of key neurotransmitters linked to ADHD. Reduced DHA levels lower the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, leading to decreased dopamine production, which disrupts attention and reward processing. Similarly, reduced dopamine β-hydroxylase activity lowers norepinephrine levels, further impairing arousal, focus, and cognitive control. Collectively, these alterations in neurotransmitter function, inflammation, and neurodevelopment contribute to the cognitive and behavioural symptoms characteristic of ADHD.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and neurotransmission, and its deficiency has been linked to ADHD.
As of 2025, an estimated 404 million individuals worldwide are living with ADHD. While numerous studies have explored the short-term efficacy of current treatments, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of their long-term effect. Additionally, the adverse side effects associated with existing medications highlight the urgent need for safer, more tolerable therapeutic options. Notably, prolonged use of ADHD medications has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, arterial disorders, sleeping problems, eating issues, tics, mood changes, nausea and headaches, rebound effects.
ADHD is a multifaceted disorder frequently associated with a range of coexisting psychiatric and developmental conditions. These may include mood and anxiety disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), aggression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, autism spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder, sleep-related issues, and Tourette’s syndrome. In terms of developmental impact, individuals with ADHD experience language and learning impairments, and challenges in communicating effectively.
