Omega-3 supplementation in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy

Abstract Background Omega-3 may have a role in the treatment of drug- resistant epilepsy. Objectives To evaluate omega-3 supplementation in seizure control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intractable epilepsy. Patients and Methods Sixty children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy were enrolled. They were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion in a 1:1 ratio into the omega-3 supplementation group or the placebo group in addition to risperidone and antiepileptic drugs. All patients were assessed for the frequency and severity of the epileptic attacks at baseline, monthly, and at 6 months from the beginning of the study; 30 children received omega-3 and the other 30 children received placebo. Results At baseline, the median number of seizures per month was 5 in both groups. After one month, this median decreased to 3 and became 2 after two months of supplementation with omega-3 in the supplementation group while it remained 5 in the control group. After 3 months and till the end of the study, this median decreased to 0 while it remained 5 in the control group throughout the study period. Children who were supplemented with omega-3 showed a significant decrease in the monthly frequency of seizure attacks after six months of supplementation compared to the baseline before supplementation (P   0.05). Conclusion Omega 3 may help in achieving good seizure control in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy.