There has been a continued debate in the last decade about the possible role of polyunsaturated fatty acids especially omega-3 fatty acids in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) either as a causative factor - on deficiency - or as a treatment.

To compare omega-3 fatty acids status in children with ADHD to normal children and to study the efficacy of high dose supplementations of fatty acids on symptoms of ADHD.

40 children diagnosed with ADHD combined type and another 40 normally developing as a control group. All patients were subjected to Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children, IQ assessment,.Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised long version (CPRS-R-L), Vigil continuous performance test. The patients were prescribed omega-3 fatty acid supplement daily dose of 900 mg EPA and 600 mg DHA for 3 months. After end of the 3 months these children were assessed again using the Conners' parent rating scale-revised and Vigil continuous performance test.

Significantly lower levels of EPA and DHA in ADHD group compared to normal control inverse correlation between DHA on one side and Conner's ADHD index; inattentive subtest and total DSMIV indexed on the other side Conners’ ADHD index subscale there was a statistically significant improvement following the treatment.

Low levels of omega 3 may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Supplementing omega 3 in the treatment of ADHD could be a useful add on tratment specially in cases demonstrating low serum levels.