Correlations have previously been observed between PUFA deficiency in red blood cells and learning and behavioral
problems, not only in boys with ADHD, but also in controls. Furthermore, although the children recruited
for this study met the criteria for a possible clinical diagnosis according to Conners Parent Rating Scales,36 they
did not necessarily all have a formal diagnosis. Other studies reviewed in this paper also found biochemical
PUFA deficiencies in children with hyperactivity and learning problems that had not necessarily been diagnosed
as ADHD and linear relationships have been found between the degree of PUFA deficiency and the severity
of mental health outcomes.56,57 It is possible therefore that symptoms associated with ADHD may fall on a continuum
rather than into a fixed diagnostic category. The
biochemical approach to treating behavioral problems as
applied in this study could have an advantage of treating
symptoms without some of the issues and limitationsinherent in diagnosis.