Prevalence of Celiac Disease Is Not Increased in ADHD Sample

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in children and adolescents with ADHD. Method: In all, 102 participants between 4 and 18 years of age diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study ( M = 12.8 years; 84 boys and 18 girls). CD was diagnosed according to the adapted guidelines of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPHGAN). Results: Among 102 tested children and teenagers with ADHD, we did not find anyone with suspected CD, so further diagnostic procedures for CD were not indicated. Conclusion: In our sample of children and teenagers with ADHD, the prevalence of CD was not higher than in the general population. On the basis of the obtained results and the results of similar studies, we conclude that there are not enough data to support screening for CD and the introduction of a gluten-free diet in children with ADHD unless there are additional indications.