ADHD Evidence Brief — March 2026 Week 1 (FREE)

This week, we summarize the latest evidence on five non-pharmacological approaches — neurofeedback, organizational skills, social skills training, screen time, and dietary modifications.

🧠 Neurofeedback Training May Reduce Inattention in ADHD

📊 Meta-Analysis Grade B Applied Neuropsychology: Child 2025

Study Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs on EEG-based neurofeedback training for children with ADHD.

Key Finding Neurofeedback is a complementary option, not a replacement for existing treatments.

Practical Neurofeedback should be administered by trained professionals at accredited clinics. Ask your clinician whether it could be a suitable complementary option for your child.

Source (DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2025.2609164)

📂 Organizational Skills Training (OST) Improves Daily Functioning

📊 Meta-Analysis Grade B Clinical Psychology Review 2017

Study Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (1,054 children) on OST programs for children with ADHD.

Key Finding OST effectively improves organizational skills and academics.

Practical Start with small organizational habits — color-coded folders, daily checklists, and visual schedules placed at your child's eye level can help build structure over time.

Source (PMID: 28088557)

🤝 Social Skills Training (SST) Helps with Peer Relationships

📋 Systematic Review Grade A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2025

Study Cochrane systematic review of 25 RCTs (2,690 participants) analyzing SST effectiveness.

Key Finding SST helps improve social competence in children with ADHD.

Practical Ask about small-group social skills programs at local treatment centers. At home, practicing conversations through role-play can also help your child build social confidence.

Source (CD008223)

📱 Excessive Screen Time Associated with Worsened ADHD Symptoms

📊 Meta-Analysis Grade C BMC Psychiatry 2023

Study Meta-analysis examining the relationship between excessive screen exposure and ADHD symptoms.

Key Finding Screen exposure and ADHD symptoms are correlated, not causally linked.

Practical Track your child's daily screen time and create family media rules together. Try reducing screen use 1–2 hours before bedtime.

Source (PMID: 37163581)

🍭 Artificial Food Coloring Restriction Shows Small but Significant Effect

📊 Meta-Analysis Grade C Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2012

Study Meta-analysis of the effects of artificial food colorings and additives on ADHD symptoms in children.

Key Finding Artificial food coloring restriction has very small effects. Not applicable to all children.

Practical When buying packaged food, check labels for artificial colorings. Try reducing foods with artificial colorings for 2–4 weeks and observe any behavioral changes.

Source (DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.10.015)

⚠️ Disclaimer
This information summarizes recent research findings and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Always consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.