Emotional and Behavioral Effects of an Online Self-Reflective Meditation Program in Youth With ADHD: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Clinical child psychology and psychiatry June 19, 2026 Seung Ah Lee, MiRa Yun, Hani Lee et al.
A 12-week online self-reflective meditation program (True Self Meditation) for youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) did not significantly improve externalizing or internalizing behavioral problems compared to a wait-list control group. However, the meditation group showed a significant and lasting reduction in trait anxiety. Within the meditation group, additional improvements appeared in self-reported internalizing problems and fewer commission errors on a continuous performance test, accompanied by slower response times, indicating more deliberate responding. The program may serve as a complementary intervention for anxiety-related difficulties in youth with ADHD, but larger controlled trials are needed.