Using probiotics to help children with ADHD

Therapeutic Effects of Multiple-strain Probiotics for Children With ADHD Based on Assessment of Standardized Attention Tests and Quantitative Electroencephalogram: a Single Arm Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Tsyr-Huey Mental Hospital · NCT06226584

This study is testing whether giving probiotics to children with ADHD can help improve their attention and brain activity while they are on their regular medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorTsyr-Huey Mental Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung)
Trial IDNCT06226584 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of multiple strains of probiotics on children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It aims to provide objective data on the therapeutic potential of probiotics by utilizing standardized attention tests and quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) to assess changes in brain networks. The study focuses on children aged 8-11 who have been stable on their psychotropic medications for at least eight weeks. By measuring brain activity and attention, the researchers hope to gain insights into the efficacy of probiotics in managing ADHD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-11 diagnosed with ADHD who are stable on their current psychotropic medications.

Not a fit: Patients with major mental or neurological disorders, serious gastrointestinal diseases, or those who have recently used antibiotics or probiotics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a novel, non-pharmacological treatment option for children with ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some promise in using probiotics for ADHD, but this approach utilizing qEEG is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

A patient is eligible for the study if all of the followings apply:

1. 8-11 children diagnosed with ADHD by board certified pediatric psychiatrist according to DSM-5 (assessment tool using SNAP criteria, at least 6/9 symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity (≧2/3 on each severity scale) on parents' and teachers' observation)
2. On stable psychotropic mediations (i.e. no change in dose of methylphenidate or antipsychotics) for past 8 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

Any patient meeting any of the exclusion criteria will be excluded from study participation:

1. Patients with major mental or neurological diseases such as intellectual disability, autism group disorders, schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, brain injury, etc.
2. Those who have serious gastrointestinal diseases, physiological diseases or genetic diseases.
3. Have used antibiotics or edible probiotic-related products (including drops, tablets, capsules, bacterial powder) in the past month.
4. Participated in other clinical research in the past month.
5. Vegetarians or those currently undergoing special diet therapy.
6. Evaluation by the pediatric psychiatrist not suitable for entering the test

Where this trial is running

Kaohsiung

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity DisordersADHDprobioticsquantitative electroencephalogram
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.