Association between diet and ADHD symptoms in preschool-aged children.

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, using a quantitative approach and a non-experimental design with a non-probabilistic sample. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was assessed with a validated instrument, and ADHD was calculated from the Conners' Rating Scales-Revised (CRSR). The data were collected by administering the surveys in person and analyzed with SPSS, using descriptive statistics and chi square to explore the relationships between the variables. The final sample consisted of 40 children (47.5% girls, 52.5% boys). 50% of children need changes in their diet and 42.5% have suspected ADHD. A statistically significant relationship was found between the variables (0.04).