It shows promise, but may need a little help from omega-3
STUDY: Shen Z et al, Front Psychiatry 2026;17:1661725
STUDY TYPE: Randomized, open-label, controlled trial
FUNDING: Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau
Background
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in brain cell membranes. It improved ADHD in four small trials, some of which paired it with omega-3 (fish oil). This study tested it against a standard treatment for ADHD, atomoxetine.
The Study
Fifty-six children aged 6–13 with DSM-5 ADHD were randomized to PS (100 mg twice daily) or atomoxetine for three months.
The results are difficult to interpret, since there was no placebo. Basically, core ADHD symptoms improved on atomoxetine, but not PS, while internalizing and externalizing behaviors (including aggression) improved more on PS than atomoxetine.
No adverse events were reported with PS; atomoxetine produced GI discomfort in all 28 participants and sleep problems in half.
Practice Implications
- This study is small and limited, with positive results only on secondary measures.
- However, it reflects an earlier, large trial where PS-omega-3 combination was particularly effective for hyperactive-impulsive, emotionally and behaviorally-dysregulated ADHD
- Omega-3 has better evidence in ADHD, and most PS trials combined it with omega-3, so I would use the combo product. It used to be available as Vayarin (which was FDA-cleared), but that is no longer sold. Sharp-PS Gold is a similar product, which is licensed to Country Life.
— Chris Aiken, MD
Director, Psych Partners
Editor in Chief, Carlat Psychiatry Report
