The microbiota-gut-brain axis in childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic advances

Ying-Lun YUAN, Yong-Mei LAN, Lin-Mei GUO

Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (11) : 1426-1432.

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (11) : 1426-1432. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2503118
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The microbiota-gut-brain axis in childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic advances

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Growing evidence links ADHD to gut microbiota dysbiosis, positioning the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a new focus of childhood ADHD research. This review systematically elucidates the association between gut dysbiosis and childhood ADHD and analyzes key mechanisms by which the microbiota-gut-brain axis regulates bidirectional gut-brain communication through multiple pathways. It highlights recent findings on microbiota-targeted strategies to improve ADHD symptoms and discusses therapeutic prospects, with the aim of exploring new avenues for early intervention and treatment in children with ADHD.

Key words

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder / Microbiota-gut-brain axis / Gut microbiota / Microbiota-targeted therapy / Child

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Ying-Lun YUAN , Yong-Mei LAN , Lin-Mei GUO. The microbiota-gut-brain axis in childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic advances[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2025, 27(11): 1426-1432 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2503118

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