BRAIN-INTESTINE AXIS IN PATIENTS WITH ADHD: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, profoundly impacts quality of life and thus represents an important public health challenge. Given the myriads of genetic and environmental factors related to ADHD and limited therapeutic interventions, the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been increasingly studied in order to bring greater knowledge about the microbiota of patients with ADHD and potential therapeutic targets. This research was an integrative bibliographic review in which 17 original articles were selected to understand the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and ADHD, evaluating dietary interventions and therapeutic potentials. A greater abundance of the genus Bifidobacterium was identified in cases of ADHD. Furthermore, the reduction in the genus Faecalibacterium and the reduction in the genus Bacteroides correlated with worsening clinical scores and greater severity. Dietary interventions, such as kefir consumption, micronutrient supplementation, and the Chinese preparation Dimu Ningshen (DMNS), have shown potential in reducing ADHD symptoms by modulating microbiome composition. Therefore, the intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the bidirectional communication between the intestine and the brain and consequently in the development and clinical control of ADHD.