Mindfulness as a therapeutic tool for adolescents with ADHD
Varda Moshe
E-Journal VFU August 20, 2024 DOI: 10.53606/evfu.22.141-153 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based interventions mindfulness meditation mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) training |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The reviewed literature indicates that mindfulness-based interventions are associated with improvements in ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes in adolescents. However, single-session interventions may not produce substantial cognitive performance gains, and maintaining long-term benefits may require sustained practice beyond the intervention period. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as promising therapeutic approaches for adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article reviews and synthesizes recent studies on the efficacy of MBIs in improving ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes among adolescents. Studies by Schonert-Reichl & Stewart-Lawlor (2010), Santonastaso et al. (2020), and Barranco-Ruiz et al. (2019) highlight significant improvements across these domains following various mindfulness interventions, including mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) training. Meta-analyses conducted by Lee et al. (2022) and Chimiklis et al. (2018) underscore the consistent positive effects of MBIs on ADHD symptoms and broader functional outcomes. However, findings from Robe & Dobrean (2023) caution that single-session interventions may not yield substantial cognitive performance improvements, suggesting a need for further exploration into intervention duration and intensity. Tercelli & Ferreira (2019) emphasize the importance of sustained mindfulness practice beyond intervention periods for maintaining long-term benefits. Future research directions include optimizing intervention design, exploring technological integration, and integrating mindfulness into educational settings to enhance treatment efficacy and sustainability.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Clinical Application of Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation: A Preliminary Study in Children with ADHD International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health September 22, 2020
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health November 1, 2022
- The effectiveness of a single session of mindfulness-based cognitive training on cardiac vagal control and core symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a preliminary randomized controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry May 24, 2022
- The Differential Impact of Acute Exercise and Mindfulness Meditation on Executive Functioning and Psycho-Emotional Well-Being in Children and Youth With ADHD Frontiers in Psychology June 14, 2021
- A systematic review of mindfulness based interventions for children and young people with ADHD and their parents Global Psychiatry May 13, 2019