Phosphatidylserine for ADHD: Does It Work? (Study Results)
Quick Summary: A recent study looked at whether a specific form of phosphatidylserine (PS) combined with omega-3 fatty acids could help children with ADHD and epilepsy. The study found no evidence that this supplement improved ADHD symptoms.
What The Research Found
The study showed that the PS-Omega3 supplement did not significantly reduce ADHD symptoms in children with both ADHD and epilepsy. The group taking the supplement didn't see a meaningful improvement compared to those who took a placebo (a sugar pill).
Study Details
- Who was studied: Children aged 6-16 years old with both ADHD and epilepsy.
- How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks, with an additional 12-week follow-up.
- What they took: Participants were given either PS-Omega3 (phosphatidylserine with omega-3 fatty acids) or a placebo. The exact dosage of PS-Omega3 was not specified in the provided summary.
What This Means For You
If you're considering using PS-Omega3 for your child's ADHD, especially if they also have epilepsy, this study suggests it may not be effective. It's important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for ADHD, as this study did not find any benefit from the specific PS-Omega3 formulation used.
Study Limitations
- The study was stopped early because they couldn't find enough participants. This means the results might not be completely reliable.
- The study only looked at children with both ADHD and epilepsy, so the results might not apply to children with ADHD alone.
- The specific PS-Omega3 supplement used in the study may not be the same as other PS supplements available.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study found no evidence that phosphatidylserine enriched with n-3 fatty acids (PS-Omega3) improved ADHD symptoms in children with epilepsy. After 12 weeks, the PS-Omega3 group showed a smaller reduction in ADHD Rating Scale-IV inattention subscores (-1.57 points) compared to placebo (-2.90 points), with no statistically significant difference (p=0.33). Results remained consistent at 24 weeks across all ADHD-related secondary outcomes. Due to early termination from recruitment challenges, the study was underpowered, but the data strongly indicated a lack of efficacy for this specific formulation in this population.
Study Design
This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial followed by an open-label extension. It enrolled children aged 6–16 years with any epilepsy type and DSM-5-diagnosed ADHD (inattentive or combined type). After a 4-week baseline, 74 participants (44 in PS-Omega3, 30 in placebo) were randomized 1:1 to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment, then 12 weeks of open-label PS-Omega3. The primary outcome was change in ADHD Rating Scale-IV inattention subscore at 12 weeks.
Dosage & Administration
The intervention was PS-Omega3, a formulation where eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were conjugated to a phospholipid vector (phosphatidylserine). The specific daily dosage (mg) and administration frequency (e.g., once/twice daily) were not detailed in the provided study summary.
Results & Efficacy
The primary outcome showed a mean change in inattention subscore of -1.57 (PS-Omega3) versus -2.90 (placebo) at 12 weeks (difference: +1.33 points favoring placebo; p=0.33, α=5%). No statistically significant differences were observed for any secondary ADHD outcomes (e.g., hyperactivity/impulsivity subscores, CGI-I) at 12 or 24 weeks. Effect sizes were negligible to small and consistently favored placebo numerically, though not significantly.
Limitations
The study was terminated early due to insufficient recruitment (target sample not achieved), resulting in inadequate statistical power (underpowered). The final sample (n=74) was too small to detect modest treatment effects. Recruitment challenges may have introduced selection bias. The unique comorbidity of epilepsy and ADHD limits generalizability to ADHD populations without neurological conditions. The specific PS-Omega3 formulation used may not represent other phosphatidylserine or n-3 PUFA supplements.
Clinical Relevance
This study provides no support for using this specific PS-Omega3 formulation to treat ADHD symptoms in children with comorbid epilepsy. Supplement users seeking ADHD management, particularly those with epilepsy, should not expect clinical benefits from this intervention based on these results. The findings highlight that n-3 PUFA efficacy observed in general ADHD populations may not translate to those with neurological comorbidities like epilepsy. Patients should prioritize evidence-based ADHD treatments (e.g., methylphenidate) under medical supervision, as this formulation showed no advantage over placebo in this high-need subgroup.
Original Study Reference
Phosphatidylserine enriched with polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid supplementation for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2024
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 38173190)
