Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention (MYmind) for children with ADHD and their parents: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
S. Chan, De-Xing Zhang, Susan M. Bögels, C. Chan, Kelly Y C Lai, H. Lo, B. Yip, E. Lau, T. Gao, S. Wong
BMJ Open November 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022514 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 140 |
| Population | Children aged 8–12 years with ADHD and one of their parents |
| Intervention | CBT programme |
| Duration | 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions; follow-up at 3 and 6 months post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The protocol describes a planned randomised controlled trial to assess whether an 8-week mindfulness-based group programme (MYmind) improves ADHD-related outcomes in children and parents compared with an active CBT control. No results are reported; the trial aims to evaluate effects on attention, symptoms, behaviour, executive function, mindfulness, and parental outcomes through intention-to-treat analysis. |
Abstract
Introduction Mindfulness is one of the potential alternative interventions for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some evidence suggests that mindfulness is related to changes in brain regions associated with ADHD. The potential benefits of mindfulness on children with ADHD, as well as the feasibility of this intervention approach, are warranted through prior local and foreign studies. This study aims to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based group intervention for children with ADHD and their respective parents through a robust research design. Methods and analysis This study will adopt a randomised controlled trial design including 140 children aged 8–12 years with ADHD together with one of their parents (n=140). These families will be randomised into intervention group (n=70) who will be offered the MYmind programme delivered by trained healthcare professionals, and an active control group (n=70) who will be offered the CBT programme. The intervention includes 8 weekly 90 min group sessions for children with ADHD (aged 8–12 years) and their respective parents. The primary and secondary outcomes will include children’s attention, ADHD-related symptoms, behaviours, executive function and mindfulness levels measured by validated objective measures and parent’s reported instruments. Parents’ parental stress, parenting styles, ADHD related symptoms, well-being, rumination level and mindfulness levels will also be measured. Analysis is by intention to treat. The effects of intervention will be evaluated by comparing outcomes between the two arms, as well as comparing outcomes within subject through comparing measurements at baseline (T0), immediately after the 8 week intervention (T1) and at 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months postintervention. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been granted by the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong – New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (The Joint CUHK-NTEC CREC). Participants will be required to sign informed consent form from both parents and children. Findings will be reported in conferences and peer-reviewed publications in accordance with recommendations of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. Trial registration number ChiCTR1800014741; Pre-results.
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 10
- The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology April 24, 2025
- Combining mindfulness and cognitive training in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: study protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial (the NeuroMind study). Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- A Systematic Review of Yoga as a Supportive Treatment for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Cureus July 1, 2024
- Randomized Controlled Trial of Parent and Child Mindfulness Training (MYmind) versus Medication Journal of Child and Family Studies September 13, 2025
- A randomized controlled trial for evaluating the effects of an online mindfulness-based intervention for parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a study protocol BMC Psychology June 5, 2025
and 5 more in the library
Cites 9
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). Psychological Assessment April 11, 2011
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Journal of Child and Family Studies February 1, 2011
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD Journal of Child and Family Studies September 21, 2011
and 4 more in the library