Mindfulness Meditation Training for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adulthood: Current Empirical Support, Treatment Overview, and Future Directions

Abstract

Research examining nonpharmacological interventions for adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has expanded in recent years and provides patients with more treatment options. Mindfulness-based training is an example of an intervention that is gaining promising preliminary empirical support and is increasingly administered in clinical settings. The aim of this review is to provide a rationale for the application of mindfulness to individuals diagnosed with ADHD, describe the current state of the empirical basis for mindfulness training in ADHD, and summarize a treatment approach specific to adults diagnosed with ADHD: the Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD Program. Two case study examples are provided to demonstrate relevant clinical issues for practitioners interested in this approach. Directions for future research, including mindfulness meditation as a standalone treatment and as a complementary approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy, are provided.

A translational neuroscience perspective on mindfulness meditation as a prevention strategy

“…Overall, the results are promising and demonstrate feasibility of mindfulness meditation in ADHD populations and preliminary effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in the treatment of ADHD [39]. However, prior research in this area has been plagued by methodological issues such as small samples, a lack of active comparison groups, and short follow-up periods limiting generalizability [39]. We therefore recommend that neuroscientists and prevention scientists partner to conduct rigorous longitudinal studies using RCT designs, samples large enough to detect small effects, and type 1 method and measurement approaches [33].…”

“…Mindfulness meditation has been applied in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD and primarily targets strengthening attention, managing emotions, and achieving goals [33,38]. Overall, the results are promising and demonstrate feasibility of mindfulness meditation in ADHD populations and preliminary effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in the treatment of ADHD [39]. However, prior research in this area has been plagued by methodological issues such as small samples, a lack of active comparison groups, and short follow-up periods limiting generalizability [39].…”

Mentalization in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Comparison with controls and patients with borderline personality disorder

“…Given the primary role of attention in mindfulness, including dimensions such as the capacity to focus attention on what is experienced here and now, it is clear how the mindfulness construct yields mechanistic clarity to impairments in adults with ADHD (Smalley et al, 2009). Moreover, mindfulness-based therapy has shown to be effective in ADHD subjects (Mitchell et al, 2015). Yet, as any other construct, mindfulness is unlikely to account, by itself, for the complexity of ADHD manifestations.…”

Does mindfulness meditation improve attention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

“…These results paralleled the in the clinician rating assessments (inattention and hyperactivity reductions of 81.8% and 72.7% in the treatment group vs 0% and 11% reductions respectively in the control group). Overall, these studies show evidence of acceptability and feasibility in MT [50] . However, controlled trials exploring MT as an attention enhancing strategy in the treatment of adult ADHD are needed to strengthen the evidence for MT's usefulness.…”