Acupuncture may improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and conduct problems when added to standard treatment for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The review systematically searched seven databases for controlled clinical trials published through November 2024 that evaluated acupuncture for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It included studies comparing acupuncture with waiting-list, medication, or other active controls, as well as studies using acupuncture alongside medication or behavioural therapy, and assessed efficacy and safety using Cochrane review criteria.
Across the included studies, acupuncture showed effects comparable with methylphenidate for conduct and learning problems, while appearing more effective for impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. Combined with medication or behavioural therapy, acupuncture was associated with greater improvements in hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and conduct problems than standard treatment alone, and was generally safe and well tolerated.
