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.
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
Cited by 17
- The effectiveness of online group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for outpatients with depression in China. Journal of Affective Disorders April 15, 2024
- Meditation and Complexity: a Systematic Review June 28, 2023
- Meditation and complexity: a review and synthesis of evidence. Neuroscience of Consciousness 2025
- Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience January 6, 2025
- The impact of mindfulness therapy in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a systematic review ( El impacto de la terapia mindfulness en personas con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención/Hiperactividad (TDAH): una revisión sistemática ) Journal for the Study of Education and Development Infancia y Aprendizaje May 2, 2023
and 12 more in the library
Cites 27
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based intervention. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
and 22 more in the library