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Could Nature Contribute to the Management of ADHD in Children? A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Maddison Hood

    (School of Psychology, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Oliver Baumann

    (School of Psychology, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically managed with pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. In the general population, exposure to nature has been found to have robust beneficial effects on cognitive performance, including attention. With inattention being a factor of the symptomatology of individuals with ADHD, this provides a rationale to investigate the potential benefits of exposure to nature for this population. Four electronic databases (PubMED, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched for empirical studies investigating the effects of nature on ADHD prevalence and/or symptom severity in populations of school-aged children. Key characteristics, methodologies, and outcomes of included studies were extracted and evaluated. Out of the 458 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Despite the large heterogeneity in methodological approaches, the included articles consistently reported that exposure to nature is associated with reduced ADHD diagnoses and symptom severity. Furthermore, when several covariates, such as age, gender, annual household income, parental income, and education level, as well as several pre-natal factors, were controlled for, the relationship between nature and ADHD remained significant. The reviewed literature provides strong support for the benefits of exposure to nature on ADHD in school-aged children.

Suggested Citation

  • Maddison Hood & Oliver Baumann, 2024. "Could Nature Contribute to the Management of ADHD in Children? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:736-:d:1409469
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kuo, F.E. & Faber Taylor, A., 2004. "A potential natural treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(9), pages 1580-1586.
    2. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    3. Alessandro Liberati & Douglas G Altman & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Cynthia Mulrow & Peter C Gøtzsche & John P A Ioannidis & Mike Clarke & P J Devereaux & Jos Kleijnen & David Moher, 2009. "The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-28, July.
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    1. Armitt, Hannah A. & Kingsley, Ellen N. & Attwell, Leah & White, Piran C.L. & Woolley, Kat & Garside, Megan & Green, Natasha & Lloyd, Tony & Coventry, Peter A., 2025. "Co-production of a nature-based intervention for children with ADHD study (CONIFAS): Creating a home-based intervention with children and families with lived experience of ADHD," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).

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