Mapping neural effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in ADHD using EEG microstates and machine learning models.
Reza Meynaghizadeh Zargar, Sevket Hepark, Poppy L A Schoenberg
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1670602 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 61 |
| Population | Adults with ADHD |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Duration | 12-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | ADHD EEG Computational modeling methods Machine learning Microstates Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Precision medicine |
| Key findings | MBCT systematically reshapes resting-state neural microstates in ADHD, and pre-treatment microstate dynamics predict individual treatment response with 83% accuracy. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is one of the promising treatments with no known side effects for neuropsychiatric conditions such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the mechanism of action underlying MBCT is not clearly understood. Here, we applied resting-state EEG microstate analysis and machine learning modeling to characterize brain network dynamics in adults with ADHD exposed to MBCT. Sixty-one participants were randomized to a 12-week MBCT intervention or waitlist control (WL), with clinical assessments and EEG recordings collected pre-to-post trial. We analyzed the microstate dynamics of EEG data in different frequency bands, comparing four microstate classes (A-D), and the cross-correlation of microstate dynamics with clinical measures. Furthermore, machine learning computational techniques were applied to predict which patients can benefit more from the MBCT intervention based on their brain dynamics pre-treatment. Microstate analyses revealed significant MBCT-related alterations in temporal dynamics, including increased coverage and duration of microstates A and B, as well as changes in individual explained variance in microstate A (theta band) and microstate D (alpha band). Coverage and explained variance for microstate B also showed significant changes across the full spectrum. These changes were strongly correlated with improvements in ADHD symptomatology, mindfulness skills, quality of life, and executive function across seven clinical domains. Critically, machine learning models predicted individual treatment responses with 83% accuracy using microstate dynamics. These findings demonstrate that MBCT systematically reshapes resting-state neural microstates in ADHD, including microstate classes A, B, and D, and suggest that computational EEG biomarkers may inform precision approaches to mindfulness-based interventions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Electroencephalography microstates highlight specific mindfulness traits. European Journal of Neuroscience April 1, 2024
- Initial evaluation of a personalized advantage index to determine which individuals may benefit from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for suicide prevention. Behaviour Research and Therapy December 1, 2024
- The Functional Aspects of Resting EEG Microstates: A Systematic Review. Brain Topography March 2024
- Predictive Factors of Response to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (Mbct) for Patients with Depressive Symptoms: The Machine Learning’s Point of View OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine December 28, 2022
and 7 more in the library