Mindfulness-based training effect on attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation among children with ADHD: The role of family engagement in randomized controlled trials.
Nadia Waheed Elzohairy, Gehan Abdelslam Mahmoud Elzlbany, Basma Ibrahim Khamis, A. El-Monshed, M. Atta
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing October 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.10.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Children diagnosed with ADHD and their parents at an outpatient Medical National Institute in Damanhur |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based training |
| Measures | Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT06131190 |
| Key findings | The difference in attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation between the mindfulness-based training group and the control group after the intervention was statistically significant. The authors conclude that mindfulness-based interventions are effective in improving inattention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation among children with ADHD and increasing their performance in all activities. |
Abstract
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most common psychiatric conditions affecting school-aged children, marked by diverse levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Mindfulness-based training intervention throughout childhood enhances those symptoms, improving emotional regulation and well-being, hence improving their quality of life.
Aim: To investigate the effects of mindfulness-based training on attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation among children diagnosed with ADHD.
Design: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to carry out this study.
Setting: This study was conducted at the outpatient Medical National Institute in Damanhur. The subjects were 60 children and their parents for the control and study groups (30 in each group). TOOLS Researchers used three tools to collect the necessary data: Tool I, A Socio-demographic and Academic Data Questionnaire; Tool II, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS); and Tool III, The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.
Results: The difference in the level of attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation between the study and control groups after the mindfulness-based training intervention was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in improving inattention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation among children with ADHD and increasing their performance in all activities. RECOMMENDATIONS Health care professionals should consider incorporating mindfulness-based techniques into standard treatment protocols for children with ADHD. Families should be educated about the benefits of mindfulness as family involvement appears to strengthen the effectiveness of these interventions. These programs should be accessible in schools, community centers, and therapeutic settings to guarantee general distribution. RCT: NCT06131190, Date: 11-9-2023.