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Felthous AR, McCoy B, Nassif JB, Duggirala R, Kim E, Carabellese F, Stanford MS. Pharmacotherapy of Primary Impulsive Aggression in Violent Criminal Offenders. Front Psychol 2022; 12:744061. [PMID: 34975633 PMCID: PMC8716452 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.744061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary impulsive aggression (PIA) can be implicated as a common factor that results in an arrest, disciplinary, and restraint measures during confinement, and criminal recidivism after release. Evidence suggests that anti-impulsive aggression agents (AIAAs) can diminish or prevent impulsive aggression even when occurring with personality pathology such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), common conditions in offender populations. A previous review identified agents that have been subjected to controlled drug trials of sufficient quality, and subsequently, a decisional algorithm was developed for selecting an AIAA for individuals with IA. This selection process began with the five agents that showed efficacy in two or more quality studies from the earlier review. Today, 8 years after the quality review study, the present authors undertook this follow-up literature review. The aims of the present review were to survey the literature to identify and assess: (1) drug trials of comparable quality published since the 2013 review, including trials of the previously identified AIAAs as well as trials of agents not included in the earlier review; (2) severity of aggressive outbursts; (3) the materiality of risks or side-effects that are associated with individual AIAAs as well as antipsychotic agents commonly used to control clinical aggression; (4) efficacy of these agents in special populations (e.g., females); and (5) cost and convenience of each agent. Improved pharmacotherapy of PIA by addressing risks, side effects and practicality as well as the efficacy of AIAAs, should promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of some pathologically aggressive offenders back into the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Felthous
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bridget McCoy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jose Bou Nassif
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rajat Duggirala
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ellen Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fulvio Carabellese
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Rosi E, Grazioli S, Villa FM, Mauri M, Gazzola E, Pozzi M, Molteni M, Nobile M. Use of Non-Pharmacological Supplementations in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Critical Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061573. [PMID: 32481502 PMCID: PMC7352506 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with environmental and biological causal influences. Pharmacological medication is the first choice in ADHD treatment; recently, many studies have concentrated on dietary supplementation approaches to address nutritional deficiencies, to which part of non-responses to medications have been imputed. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological supplementations in children or adolescents with ADHD. We reviewed 42 randomized controlled trials comprised of the following supplementation categories: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), peptides and amino acids derivatives, single micronutrients, micronutrients mix, plant extracts and herbal supplementations, and probiotics. The reviewed studies applied heterogeneous methodologies, thus making it arduous to depict a systematic overview. No clear effect on single cognitive, affective, or behavioral domain was found for any supplementation category. Studies on PUFAs and micronutrients found symptomatology improvements. Peptides and amino acids derivatives, plant extracts, herbal supplementation, and probiotics represent innovative research fields and preliminary results may be promising. In conclusion, such findings, if confirmed through future research, should represent evidence for the efficacy of dietary supplementation as a support to standard pharmacological and psychological therapies in children and adolescents with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rosi
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Silvia Grazioli
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Filippo Maria Villa
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Maddalena Mauri
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Gazzola
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy;
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (E.R.); (F.M.V.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (M.N.)
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Bernstein AS, Oken E, de Ferranti S. Fish, Shellfish, and Children's Health: An Assessment of Benefits, Risks, and Sustainability. Pediatrics 2019; 143:e20190999. [PMID: 31110165 PMCID: PMC6864235 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
American children eat relatively little fish and shellfish in comparison with other sources of animal protein, despite the health benefits that eating fish and shellfish may confer. At the same time, fish and shellfish may be sources of toxicants. This report serves to inform pediatricians about available research that elucidates health risks and benefits associated with fish and shellfish consumption in childhood as well as the sustainability of fish and shellfish harvests.
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Ciappolino V, Mazzocchi A, Botturi A, Turolo S, Delvecchio G, Agostoni C, Brambilla P. The Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on Cognitive Functions in Psychiatric Disorders. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040769. [PMID: 30986970 PMCID: PMC6520996 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is strongly associated with functional outcomes in psychiatric patients. Involvement of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in brain functions is largely documented. DHA is incorporated into membrane phospholipids as structural component, especially in the central nervous system where it also has important functional effects. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between DHA and cognitive function in relation to mental disorders. Results from few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of DHA (alone or in combination) in psychotic, mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, respectively, suggest that no conclusive remarks can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ciappolino
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Mazzocchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Botturi
- Neurologic Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto neurologico Carlo Besta, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Turolo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Gabbay V, Freed RD, Alonso CM, Senger S, Stadterman J, Davison BA, Klein RG. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Monotherapy for Adolescent Depression. J Clin Psychiatry 2018; 79:17m11596. [PMID: 29985566 PMCID: PMC6625364 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.17m11596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reports are mixed on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), with only limited data in adolescents. The present trial aimed to investigate systematically the efficacy of O3FA as a monotherapy, compared to a placebo, in adolescents with MDD. Secondarily, we explored O3FA effects on anhedonia, irritability, and suicidality-all key features of adolescent MDD. METHODS Fifty-one psychotropic medication-free adolescents with DSM-IV-TR diagnoses of MDD (aged 12-19 years; 57% female) were randomized to receive O3FA or a placebo for 10 weeks. Data were collected between January 2006 and June 2013. O3FA and a placebo were administered on a fixed-flexible dose titration schedule based on clinical response and side effects. The initial dose of 1.2 g/d was increased 0.6 g/d every 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 3.6 g/d. Clinician-rated and self-rated depression severity, along with treatment response, served as primary outcome measures. Additionally, we examined O3FA effects on depression-related symptoms, including anhedonia, irritability, and suicidality. Treatment differences were analyzed via intent-to-treat analyses. RESULTS O3FA were not superior to a placebo on any clinical feature, including depression severity and levels of anhedonia, irritability, or suicidality. Additionally, response rates were comparable between treatment groups. Within-treatment analyses indicated that both treatments were associated with significant improvement in depression severity on self- (O3FA: t = -4.38, P < .001; placebo: t = -3.52, P = .002) and clinician (O3FA: t = -6.47, P < .001; placebo: t = -8.10, P < .001) ratings. CONCLUSIONS In adolescents with MDD, O3FA do not appear to be superior to placebo. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00962598.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Gabbay
- Pediatric Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029. .,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel G. Klein
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
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Bègue L, Zaalberg A, Shankland R, Duke A, Jacquet J, Kaliman P, Pennel L, Chanove M, Arvers P, Bushman BJ. Omega-3 supplements reduce self-reported physical aggression in healthy adults. Psychiatry Res 2018; 261:307-311. [PMID: 29331711 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplements can decrease aggression. However, experimental studies with adults from non-specific populations are scarce. We hypothesized that Omega-3 supplements would decrease self-reported aggression among non-clinical participants. In a double-blind randomized trial, two groups of participants (N = 194) aged 18-45 from the general population followed a 6-weeks treatment with 638mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 772mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per day or the equivalent quantity of copra oil (placebo). Self-reported aggressiveness was measured at baseline and after the 6-week treatment period. Findings showed that Omega-3 supplements significantly decreased self-reported aggressiveness at the end of the 6-week period (d = 0.31). In conclusion, this experiment indicates that Omega-3 administration has beneficial effects in reducing aggression among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Bègue
- LIP/PC2S, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France..
| | - Ap Zaalberg
- Ministry of Security and Justice, Crime, Law Enforcement and Sanctions Research Division (CRS), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aaron Duke
- LIP/PC2S, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Julie Jacquet
- LIP/PC2S, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Perla Kaliman
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Lucie Pennel
- University Hospital, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Chanove
- MSH Alpes, CNRS/University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Brad J Bushman
- School of Communication and Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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Hambly JL, Francis K, Khan S, Gibbons KS, Walsh WJ, Lambert B, Testa C, Haywood A. Micronutrient Therapy for Violent and Aggressive Male Youth: An Open-Label Trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2017; 27:823-832. [PMID: 28481642 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2016.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmacotherapy for problematic aggressive and violent behavior disorders in male children and adolescents is associated with significant adverse events. Treatments with more acceptable risk-benefit ratios are critically needed. Micronutrient intervention will be investigated as an alternative to bridge the therapeutic gap in the management of these behaviors. METHODS Males aged 4-14 who displayed ongoing violent and aggressive behaviors received micronutrient intervention containing alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), biotin, chromium, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), pyridoxine (vitamins B6), selenium, and zinc, in a 16-week open-label trial. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, copper/zinc ratio, and urinary hydroxyhemopyrroline-2-one (HPL) tests were conducted at baseline and endpoint. Participants were examined for changes in aggressive and violent behaviors measured using the Children's Aggression Scale (CAS) and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), improvements in family functioning measured using the Family Functioning Style Scale, improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at baseline, 8 weeks, endpoint, and at 4-6-month follow-up. RESULTS Thirty-two male children and adolescents met inclusion criteria. Thirty-one (mean 8.35 ± standard deviation 2.93 years) completed the study, with one participant lost to follow-up. Micronutrient therapy significantly improved parent-reported aggressive and violent behaviors measured using the CAS for all domains except the use of weapons (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02) with medium to large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.72-1.43) and the MOAS (p < 0.001) with large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.26). Parent-reported HRQoL (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = -1.69) and family functioning (p = 0.03; Cohen's d = -0.41) also significantly improved. CONCLUSION Micronutrient therapy appeared well tolerated, with a favorable side effect profile. It appeared effective in the reduction of parent-reported aggressive and violent behaviors, and showed improvement in family functioning and HRQoL in male youth after 16 weeks. Further research in the form of a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial is required to verify these initial positive observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hambly
- 1 School of Pharmacy, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia
| | - Kelly Francis
- 2 Happiness in Health , West Burleigh, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sohil Khan
- 1 School of Pharmacy, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,3 Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kristen S Gibbons
- 3 Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Brett Lambert
- 5 Applied Analytical Laboratories , Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Testa
- 6 Chris Testa's Tugun Compounding Pharmacy , Tugun, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison Haywood
- 1 School of Pharmacy, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,3 Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Meyer BJ, Byrne M, Parletta N, Gow R, Hibbeln JR. Fish Oil and Impulsive Aggressive Behavior. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2016. [PMID: 26217883 PMCID: PMC6445213 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2015.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Meyer
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell Byrne
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Parletta
- School of Population Health, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel Gow
- Section of Nutritional Neurosciences, Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joseph R. Hibbeln
- Section of Nutritional Neurosciences, Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Gajos JM, Beaver KM. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on aggression: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:147-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Raine A, Cheney RA, Ho R, Portnoy J, Liu J, Soyfer L, Hibbeln J, Richmond TS. Nutritional supplementation to reduce child aggression: a randomized, stratified, single-blind, factorial trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2016; 57:1038-46. [PMID: 27166583 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While some studies suggest that nutritional supplementation may reduce aggressive behavior in children, they have not examined whether its efficacy may be enhanced in conjunction with other treatment approaches. This study tests the hypothesis that a nutritional supplementation of omega-3, multivitamins, and minerals over 3 months, combined with cognitive behavior therapy, will reduce childhood aggression. METHODS In this randomized, single-blind, stratified, factorial trial, a high-risk community sample of 290 children aged 11-12 years were randomized into Nutrition only, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) only, Nutrition + CBT, and Control groups. The primary outcome measures of child- and parent-reported aggressive and antisocial behavior were collected at 0 months (baseline), 3 months (end of treatment), 6 months (3 months posttreatment), and 12 months (9 months posttreatment). The trial ('Healthy Brains & Behavior: Understanding and Treating Youth Aggression (HBB)' was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00842439 RESULTS: For child self-reports, children in the Nutrition only group showed reduced externalizing behavior compared to Controls at 3 months. At 6 months, the Nutrition + CBT group scored lower on externalizing behavior compared to both CBT only and Control groups. Findings were more in evidence for an Aggressive-Reactive form of antisocial behavior than for a Callous-Proactive form. Effect sizes were in the small-to-medium range (d = -.33 to -.37). Group differences were not sustained 9 months posttreatment, and no other effects were significant. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide some limited support for the efficacy of omega-3, vitamin, and mineral supplementation in reducing aggressive behavior in children, and represent the first evaluation of nutritional supplements in conjunction with CBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rose A Cheney
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ringo Ho
- Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Jill Portnoy
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liana Soyfer
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Hibbeln
- Section on Nutritional Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
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The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviour and conduct problems in ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:474-482. [PMID: 26551407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of randomised controlled trials report a beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on emotional lability (EL) and related domains (e.g. oppositional behaviour, conduct problems). Given that n-3 PUFA supplementation shows a significant effect on reducing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and that EL and related behaviours commonly co-occurs with ADHD, it is important that there is a more conclusive picture as to the effect of n-3 PUFA on these co-occurring clinical domains. METHODS Databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, Psychinfo) were searched for trials assessing the effects of n-3 PUFA on EL, oppositional behaviour, aggression and conduct problems. We included trials in children who had ADHD or a related neurodevelopmental disorder. RESULTS Of the 1775 identified studies, 10 were included in the meta-analysis. In the primary analyses n-3 PUFA supplementation did not show improvements in measures of EL, oppositional behaviour, conduct problems or aggression. However subgroup analyses of higher quality studies and those meeting strict inclusion criteria found a significant reduction in EL and oppositional behaviour. LIMITATIONS A number of treatment effects may have failed to reach statistical significance due to small sample sizes and within and between study heterogeneity in terms of design and study participants. CONCLUSIONS These results exclude the possibility of moderate to large effects. They provide suggestive evidence of small effects of n-3 PUFA on reducing EL and oppositional behaviour in subgroups of children with ADHD.
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Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2298-306. [PMID: 25790022 PMCID: PMC4538345 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common child psychiatric disorders, and is often treated with stimulant medication. Nonpharmacological treatments include dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, although their effectiveness remains to be shown conclusively. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on ADHD symptoms and cognitive control in young boys with and without ADHD. A total of 40 boys with ADHD, aged 8-14 years, and 39 matched, typically developing controls participated in a 16-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants consumed 10 g of margarine daily, enriched with either 650 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) each or placebo. Baseline and follow-up assessments addressed ADHD symptoms, fMRI of cognitive control, urine homovanillic acid, and cheek cell phospholipid sampling. EPA/DHA supplementation improved parent-rated attention in both children with ADHD and typically developing children. Phospholipid DHA level at follow-up was higher for children receiving EPA/DHA supplements than placebo. There was no effect of EPA/DHA supplementation on cognitive control or on fMRI measures of brain activity. This study shows that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces symptoms of ADHD, both for individuals with ADHD and typically developing children. This effect does not appear to be mediated by cognitive control systems in the brain, as no effect of supplementation was found here. Nonetheless, this study offers support that omega-3 supplementation may be an effective augmentation for pharmacological treatments of ADHD (NCT01554462: The Effects of EPA/DHA Supplementation on Cognitive Control in Children with ADHD; http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01554462).
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