Phosphatidylserine showed no clear improvement in core ADHD symptoms
In a small trial in children, the supplement was linked to changes in some behavioral problems, while core ADHD symptom changes were not statistically significant.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Children receiving phosphatidylserine did not show statistically significant improvement in core ADHD symptoms. The group did show reductions in internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, including aggression. These results separate broader behavior changes from ADHD symptom control, and the abstract's group-specific significance tests do not establish that the supplement is better or worse than atomoxetine.
The trial was open-label and small. This abstract-based account lacks direct between-group effect estimates; differences in which results reached statistical significance cannot establish comparative effectiveness. The abstract also does not report longer follow-up.
Separate symptom domains
The study used separate rating tools for core symptoms and associated behavior problems. Attention problems and hyperactivity were assessed alongside internalizing and externalizing behaviors, allowing the authors to describe changes in different symptom domains.
Comparing the treatments requires caution
Atomoxetine recipients showed significant improvements in core symptoms and externalizing behaviors, while both groups had less aggressive behavior. Because the abstract presents changes separately for each group, those patterns require caution when comparing the treatments.
The original publication
The effect of phosphatidylserine on behavioral problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Shen Z, Jia S, Li X et al.
Front Psychiatry · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41960234
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.