RECENT RESEARCH
characterized by multiple neurocognitive deficits. Research suggests that music interventions, both active and passive, may be an effective complementary method of addressing ADHD challenges. This narrative review discusses seven potential neurocognitive mechanisms through which music interventions may help mitigate or alleviate ADHD symptoms, including executive function enhancement, timing improvement, arousal regulation, default mode network modulation, neural entrainment, affective management, and social bonding facilitation. Our study synthesized evidence from ADHD-specific studies and examined parallels to other populations to identify possible pathways through which music therapy could exert its effect. The paper also discusses the implications of individualized music interventions tailored to specific neurocognitive profiles in ADHD, advocating additional research to refine and optimize these approaches. Overall, music therapy has substantial potential as a complementary treatment for ADHD, offering new avenues for addressing the psychosocial and cognitive aspects of this condition.
Nutrition
Lowance M, Wang E, Graybow M, Milanaik RL. Aisles of health? A pediatrician ' s guide to vitamins and dietary supplements in pharmacies and supermarkets. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2025 Aug 1; 37( 4): 408-417. doi: 10.1097 / MOP. 0000000000001475. Epub 2025 May 21. PMID: 40439702.
Purpose of review: In recent years, there have been increased discussions among parents about the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for kids, specifically dietary supplements and vitamins. While these were originally marketed to supplement nutrient needs, many families have begun to raise questions about the efficacy of vitamins and minerals to treat developmental conditions such as attention-hyperactivity deficit disorder, mood disorders, or sleep disturbances.
Recent findings: Research investigating the use of vitamin supplements generally concludes that supplementation may be necessary in cases of deficiency; additional benefits are minimal. Some hormonal and mineral supplements like melatonin, fish oil, and magnesium have been found to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, sleep disturbance, and conduct disorders in combination with other interventions. However, none of these therapies rival the efficacy of first-line treatment plans for these conditions. Additionally, overuse may lead to toxicity and adverse effects.
Summary: While many parents may have concerns about their child ' s nutrient intake, much is still unknown about the dosing, safety, and efficacy of dietary supplements. For deficient children or patients resistant to eating certain food groups, mineral and vitamin supplements may be an effective way to meet nutritional needs. It is important to note that there is little evidence supporting the efficacy of dietary supplement use to treat other conditions nor any benefit for healthy children with a balanced diet.
Al Shahab S, Al Balushi R, Qambar A, Abdulla R, Qader M, Abdulla S, Jahrami H. Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025 Apr 28; 17( 9): 1482. doi: 10.3390 / nu17091482. PMID: 40362791; PMCID: PMC12073678.
Objective: This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of different supplements, such as L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri for improving ADHD symptoms, to determine the most effective supplement and provide insight for medical practice.
Methods: International databases( PubMed / MEDLINE and Scopus) were searched for English-language RCTs, open-label studies, and cross-sectional studies.
Results: Studies on L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri have shown various effects on ADHD symptoms. L-theanine improved sleep efficiency but not other sleep parameters. Caffeine showed no significant benefits, although its combination with L-theanine may enhance attention. Bacopa monnieri consistently improved inattention, hyperactivity, and memory, whereas Ginkgo biloba L. reduced ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention, but was less effective than methylphenidate.
Conclusions: The evidence revealed the potential use of supplements as complementary ADHD treatments under clinical guidance. The limited effect of supplements cannot replace the well-documented efficacy of stimulants for ADHD treatment. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the most effective dosages and the safety of these supplements as adjunctive treatments for ADHD.
Other non-pharmacological therapies
Yu S, Xue H, Xie Y, Shao G, Hao Y, Fan L, Du W. Review: Animal-assisted intervention for children with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder- a systematic review and metaanalysis. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2025 Feb; 30( 1): 34-52. doi: 10.1111 / camh. 12744. Epub 2025 Jan 10. PMID: 39791320.
Background: Animal-assisted interventions( AAIs) have emerged as a promising nonpharmacological intervention option for children diagnosed with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder( ADHD). However, recent systematic reviews have been primarily narrative. Additionally, the pooled effectiveness of AAIs was absent from these systematic reviews.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, searching multiple databases, including Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane, from inception of the databases to March 2024. We retrieved 17 randomised controlled trials or quasiexperimental studies and used Review Manager 5.4.1 software to perform a
246 | vol31 | no4 | AJNM