Can Creatine Affect ADHD?
There is no direct existing scientific evidence saying that creatine is a potential treatment supplement for ADHD. However, there are some studies suggesting creatine affect cognitive abilities which could potentially be translated into ADHD treatment.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known by its acronym ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD usually, begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood as well [1, 2].
It is quite a common condition affecting around 8.8% and 2.5% of children and adults respectively, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1].
Symptoms of ADHD include difficulties in maintaining attention, episodes of hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior [1, 3, 4], all of which interfere with the daily life of the affected individual. Less usual symptoms of ADHD include problems with eye contact, fatigue or, surprisingly, hypermobility.
People with ADHD often exhibit impulsivity, which may negatively impact their relationships and present challenges in performing well in school, work, or other activities [1, 3]. Additionally, difficulties in focusing on an organized sequence of behavior can be part of the challenge [5].
How Can ADHD Be Treated?
ADHD can’t be cured, but the symptoms may be managed using medical treatments. Treatment needs to be individually tailored to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and overall help the daily life of individuals with ADHD [2].
For ADHD, there are two main types of medications used: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants like Adderall and Dexedrine work on regulating dopamine and norepinephrine.
Non-stimulants, like Guanfacine, address memory issues and impulsive behaviors [3, 6, 7]. Interestingly, another medicine called Viloxazine is being investigated as it appears to improve ADHD symptoms in phase 2 and 3 [3, 6, 7].
Furthermore, non-medical treatments like behavior therapy often help in managing the symptoms and are appreciated for teaching individuals to monitor and manage their behavior [2].
Additionally, a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, mindfulness meditation, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can also help with symptom management. In fact, some studies suggest that yoga, tai chi, and spending time outdoors help ease ADHD symptoms [3].
However, antidepressants, such as Zoloft or Prozac, do not treat ADHD.
How Can Creatine Affect ADHD?
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Creatine, a supplement and nutritional compound, has been reported to act as a neuromodulator [8]. Some studies reported that creatine supplementation can potentially enhance brain creatine content and thus improve cognitive health and performance. On the other hand, the evidence is inconsistent, and some studies did not find such effects [8, 9].
Some studies on ADHD have shown changes in neurometabolite ratios, including the choline/creatine and glutamate/creatine ratios [10]. These alterations may be potentially attributed to the cognitive and behavioral deficits observed in ADHD. Interestingly, medications like methylphenidate seem to affect the creatine ratios and influence cognitive health and performance; however, some other studies suggest otherwise.
Whether creatine can potentially influence and serve as a treatment for ADHD is not fully understood and researched. More studies need to be conducted in order to determine its effect on ADHD patients.