THE INFLUENCE OF AN OLIGOANTIGENIC DIET O N THE BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS

The influence of an oligoantigenic diet on different dimensions of the behavior of 21 children diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperac tivity disorder (ADHD) was examined. Treatment effects were assessed w ith three subjective measures (two questionnaires and an interview) an d three objective measures (two attention tests and actometer). The st udy was divided into three phases: baseline, diet and provocation, eac h lasting three weeks. A crossover design was used. A significant effe ct was found for the subjective measures, but not for the objective me asures. The results are discussed in terms of possible types of effect s, e.g. rater effects and environmental effects. It may be that the ol igoantigenic diet influences only certain dimensions of hyperactivity.