[Non-pharmacological interventions, other than psychosocial ones, for youth aged under 18 with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]
D’Auray G, Guimond AJ, Roberge S, Lam Wai Shun P
Record ID 32018014118
French
Original Title:
Pratiques non pharmacologiques et autres que psychosociales pour les jeunes de moins de 18 ans présentant un trouble du déficit de l’attention/hyperactivité (TDAH)
Authors' objectives:
In the last few years, a group of pediatricians issued a warning regarding the increase in
diagnoses and prescription of ADHD-specific medication among Quebec children. In
2020, the need to improve access to services and to promote non-pharmacological
interventions as well as the multimodal treatment approach was highlighted in a report
from the Commission de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec.
In that context, INESSS produced work on ADHD care management in youth. A notice
that assessed the efficacy of psychosocial interventions and a care management tool to
help care for youth under 18 with ADHD were published in 2024. Complementary to this
work, the current report aimed at documenting the efficacy and safety of nonpharmacological interventions, as well as stakeholder perspectives on the effect,
relevance, acceptability, and applicability of these interventions in meeting the needs of
youth under 18 diagnosed with ADHD. Hereinafter, the term “non-pharmacological
interventions” is used to refer to approaches or interventions that are not drug-based and
do not fit the definition of psychosocial interventions.
Authors' results and conclusions:
RESULTS (#1 FINDINGS ON EFFECTS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS, OTHER THAN PSYCHOSOCIAL
ONES, ON ADHD SYMPTOMS, FUNCTIONING, AND QUALITY OF LIFE): Scientific and grey literature data suggest that physical activity may be a promising
intervention to reduce ADHD symptoms in school-aged children and adolescents with
symptoms or a diagnosis of ADHD.
• Moreover, youth, parents, schoolteachers and principals, as well as
representatives of associations and support organizations, consider that
practicing physical activity is particularly helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms or
related difficulties in youth. (#2 GLOBAL FINDINGS RELATED TO ALL NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS, OTHER THAN
PSYCHOSOCIAL ONES): Overall, consulted stakeholders consider that certain non-pharmacological interventions
are useful and helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms or related difficulties in youth. The
main effects perceived by the respondents include calming, improved concentration, and
reduced anxiety. Consulted parents also mentioned that they believe nonpharmacological interventions carry few risks and are not harmful to health or well-being.
Authors' methods:
A literature review based on a rapid review method was used to address the evaluation
questions relating to efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions. The quality
of the scientific evidence was rated. Contextual and experiential data on the effect,
relevance, acceptability, and applicability of non-pharmacological interventions to meet
young people’s needs were collected among youth and parents of youth with ADHD
symptoms or diagnosis or related problems, principals and schoolteachers, as well as
representatives of associations and support organizations for individuals with ADHD.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2025
URL for published report:
https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/ServicesSociaux/TDAH_Pratiques_non_pharmaco_EC_INESSS.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Other
Country:
Canada
Province:
Quebec
MeSH Terms
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
- Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
- Psychosocial Intervention
- Child
- Adolescent
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Diet Therapy
- Exercise Therapy
- Vitamins
- Zinc
- Iron
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Fatty Acids, Omega-6
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux
Contact Address:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.