The effects of a probiotic supplement on symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children

Brogan, H. C. (2014). The effects of a probiotic supplement on symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1072

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Details:

Title

The effects of a probiotic supplement on symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children

Author
Brogan, Holly C.
Call Number

LE3 .A278 2014

Date

2014

Supervisor

Potter, Susan

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Honours

Discipline

Psychology

Affiliation

Psychology

Abstract

Probiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, which can happen through normalization of the hypothalamic-­‐pituitary-­‐adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is responsible for regulating the levels of cortisol in the body, and studies have shown that children with the symptoms of ADHD have lower cortisol levels than control groups, suggesting HPA axis dysregulation. Animal studies have linked HPA axis dysfunction to disturbances in the gut microbiome, disturbances that can be corrected through the administration of probiotics. The current study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of probiotics on the symptoms of ADHD in children. Ten children, between the ages of seven and thirteen years, were given a probiotic or a placebo supplement for four weeks and any changes in their ADHD symptoms were recorded. In this small sample of children, probiotics reduced the severity of ADHD symptoms, and should be further investigated as a natural treatment for ADHD.

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Permanent Link

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1072

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