Effectiveness of Probiotic Supplement In Improving Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms

Investigating the Effectiveness of Probiotic Supplement in Improving Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children

To study the effects of probiotic supplement in children with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),40 patients will be randomly allocated to two groups of intervention and placebo. The intervention and the placebo group will be prescribed with 1 capsule of probiotics and placebo for 8 weeks, respectively. Treatment efficacy will be assessed via administrating the Conners's rating

Both probiotics and placebo groups will receive medication with Ritalin in a dose-dependent manner, starting at the onset of the study and simultaneous with probiotic supplementation. Children weighed 30 Kg or less receive 0.3 mg/kg of Ritalin in 3 separate intervals and after four weeks the dosage will increase to 0.5mg/kg. Those who weighed more than 30 kg receive 0.5 mg/kg with the same pattern that reaches the highest point of 0.7 mg/kg by week four. Each dosage will be administrated trice a day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the middle of the study patients who consumes less than 80% of their supplements will be omitted from the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Having an Intelligence quotient more than 85 based on Wechsler test for children
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of any other mental and psychological disorder such as depression, chronic motor tic disorder, communication disorder, learning disability
• Taking any stimulant, sedative, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications
• History of any chronic disorders, requiring long term medication (such as cancers, Cirrhosis, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders ) or, chronic neurological disorders (such as epilepsy)