Mechanisms of Change in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Adults With ADHD
Dirk E. M. Geurts, Melanie P. J. Schellekens, L. Janssen, Anne E. M. Speckens
Journal of Attention Disorders January 6, 2020 DOI: 10.1177/1087054719896865 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 94 |
| Population | Adults with ADHD |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Self-compassion mediated improvement in positive mental health, while self-reported inhibition mediated reduction in ADHD symptoms, indicating different mechanisms of change for MBCT's effects. |
Abstract
Objective: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been demonstrated to be effective in adults with ADHD. The aim of the current study was to examine its possible working mechanisms.
Method: In the context of an randomized controlled trial (RCT), MBCT + TAU (treatment as usual) (n = 43) versus TAU (n = 51), we used mediation analyses to examine whether reduction of clinician-rated ADHD symptoms and improvement of positive mental health at 6-month follow-up had been mediated by change in mindfulness skills, self-compassion, and executive functioning over the course of MBCT.
Results: Increase of self-compassion mediated improvement of positive mental health at 6-month follow-up. Improvement of mindfulness skills or self-compassion did not mediate the reduction in ADHD symptoms. Additional analyses suggest that self-reported inhibition did.
Conclusion: The effect of MBCT on ADHD symptoms and positive mental health thus occurred via different mechanisms of change, that is, by improvements in inhibition and self-compassion, respectively.