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Effectiveness of a virtual reality-based mindfulness intervention for ADHD symptoms in college students: A randomized controlled trial.

Youn-Soo Lee, Jaesang Hwang, Bo-Young Youn

Digital health 2026 DOI: 10.1177/20552076261478221 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 58
Population College students screening positive for ADHD symptoms (ASRS v1.1)
Intervention Video-based mindfulness control
Duration 4-week intervention, 12 sessions total, assessments at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention
Measures ASRS v1.1, BlazePod™, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, UWES, GSE
Topics Meditation
Keywords Adult ADHD College students Digital health Randomized controlled trial Virtual reality
Key findings Compared to a video-based control, the VR mindfulness intervention produced significantly greater reductions in ADHD symptoms (ASRS -5.8 vs. -2.3 points) and larger improvements in depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and academic engagement, though reaction time differences were not significant after correction. Self-efficacy improved similarly in both groups.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness intervention in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving cognitive and psychosocial outcomes among college students, compared to a non-immersive, video-based mindfulness control. In this trial, 64 college students screening positive for ADHD symptoms (ASRS v1.1) were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group using the Headspace application on the Meta Quest Pro headset or a control group watching a guided meditation video; after six withdrawals, 58 participants (29 per group) were included in the per-protocol analysis. Both groups participated in three supervised sessions per week over four weeks (12 sessions total). Primary outcomes were ADHD symptom severity (ASRS v1.1) and cognitive-motor reaction time (BlazePod™). Secondary outcomes included depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), sleep quality (PSQI), academic engagement (UWES), and self-efficacy (GSE), assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Compared to the control group, the intervention group achieved significantly greater reductions in ASRS scores (-5.8 vs. -2.3 points; p < 0.001) and right-leg reaction times (-157.4 vs. -88.4 ms; p = 0.028; not significant after Holm correction, adjusted p = 0.056). The intervention group showed significantly larger improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, and academic engagement (p < 0.01 for all). Self-efficacy improved in both groups with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.151). Adverse events leading to withdrawal occurred in four participants: two in the VR group (severe motion sickness/cybersickness) and two in the control group (severe enteritis, unrelated to the intervention). A four-week VR-based mindfulness intervention produced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms and related psychosocial outcomes compared to a video-based control in college students. These findings support further investigation of VR as a digital therapeutic adjunct for adult ADHD symptoms.

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

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Meditation Anxiety Depression