The idea is to see if physical activity in organized form can affect the symptoms of ADHD patients in pediatric psychiatry. The young people in the study are between 13-17 years, enrolled in BUP and will train with a personal trainer, three times a week for 14 weeks.

Before and after, various variables such as blood values ​​and weight will be measured, but researchers will also look at problem areas such as anxiety, anxiety and ADHD symptoms. This will also be followed up a year later.

- I hope it can affect attention, both directly after a workout and in the long term. I want to see if it will be easier to sit and concentrate and if the exercise reduces restlessness in the body, says Eva Norén Selinus, researcher and chief physician in pediatric psychiatry.

Want more lifestyle factors in treatment

It is hoped that the results in the future will lead to new treatment methods in pediatric psychiatry, where lifestyle factors such as exercise are included more.

However, this should be seen as a complement. The idea is not to completely replace other parts of the treatment, such as medication for physical activity.

- I think medicines have their place in the treatment of ADHD. This is meant as a complement to the usual treatment with medication, sleep regulation, parenting courses and so on which is also very important, Eva Norén Selinus.

The test group includes ten young people from BUP in Västerås. The study begins in February.