ABSTRACT
Background: Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy as complementary medicine tool in the management of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Methods: We performed the study on 50 ADHD patients of any subtype, with EEG and TIQ were done to all patients before the start of acupuncture therapy to exclude epilepsy and mental retardation, Conners Rating Scale was done to all patients before and after acupuncture therapy. Patients were divided into two groups, group [I]: received acupuncture therapy with pharmacotherapy, group [II]: received acupuncture therapy only. The two groups were compared as regard the hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention parameters on Conners Rating Scale
Results: Treatment efficacy of acupuncture therapy for ADHD patients using Conner's parent questioner was 88% of the studied group who showed improvement with variable degrees while 12% of the studied group, showed no improvement, all patients below 8 years show improvement [100%], while >8 years [70%] with [p value< 0.001 HS], acupuncture was more effective in the hyperactive /impulsive subtype, the 12 patients showed improvement [100%], followed by combined type 26 patients, with improved 22 [84%], then the inattentive type 12 patients, with improved 10 [83%] with [P value< 0.05 S.]
Conclusion: This cross sectional interventional study provides a scientific evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in the management of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Acupuncture therapy improves the core symptoms of ADHD which are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention with efficacy rate up to 88%. Acupuncture therapy provides a successful complementary medicine tool in the management of children with ADHD with a high success rate and safe method free from side effects