Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. treatment as usual in adults with ADHD: a multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Lotte Janssen, Cornelis C. Kan, Pieter J Carpentier, Bram Sizoo, Sevket Hepark, Melanie P. J. Schellekens, A Rogier T Donders, Jan K. Buitelaar, Anne E. M. Speckens
Psychological Medicine January 2019 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718000429 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 120 |
| Population | Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) treatment as usual (TAU) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; follow-up at post-treatment, 3 and 6 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | ADHD Symptoms Adult ADHD Mental health Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Psychosocial treatment Randomised controlled trial |
| Registration | NCT02463396 |
| Key findings | Adding MBCT to treatment as usual reduced clinician-rated ADHD symptoms at post-treatment (mean difference -3.44, 95% CI -5.75 to -1.11; d = 0.41), with effects maintained to 6 months. A 30% or greater symptom reduction occurred in 27% of MBCT participants versus 4% of TAU participants. Self-reported symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, and positive mental health also improved; executive functioning improved only at 6-month follow-up. |
Abstract
There is a high need for evidence-based psychosocial treatments for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to offer alongside treatment as usual (TAU). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising psychosocial treatment. This trial investigated the efficacy of MBCT + TAU v. TAU in reducing core symptoms in adults with ADHD. A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02463396). Participants were randomly assigned to MBCT + TAU (n = 60), an 8-weekly group therapy including meditation exercises, psychoeducation and group discussions, or TAU only (n = 60), which reflected usual treatment in the Netherlands and included pharmacotherapy and/or psychoeducation. Primary outcome was ADHD symptoms rated by blinded clinicians. Secondary outcomes included self-reported ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, positive mental health and general functioning. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-up. Post-treatment effects at group and individual level, and follow-up effects were examined. In MBCT + TAU patients, a significant reduction of clinician-rated ADHD symptoms was found at post-treatment [M difference = -3.44 (-5.75, -1.11), p = 0.004, d = 0.41]. This effect was maintained until 6-month follow-up. More MBCT + TAU (27%) than TAU participants (4%) showed a ⩾30% reduction of ADHD symptoms (p = 0.001). MBCT + TAU patients compared with TAU patients also reported significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, mindfulness skills, self-compassion and positive mental health at post-treatment, which were maintained until 6-month follow-up. Although patients in MBCT + TAU compared with TAU reported no improvement in executive functioning at post-treatment, they did report improvement at 6-month follow-up. MBCT might be a valuable treatment option alongside TAU for adult ADHD aimed at alleviating 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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 26
- Biological mechanism study of meditation and its application in mental disorders General Psychiatry July 13, 2020
- Mindfulness for children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting (MindChamp): Protocol of a randomised controlled trial comparing a family Mindfulness-Based Intervention as an add-on to care-as-usual with care-as-usual only BMC Psychiatry July 25, 2018
- Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study. Neuroscience Applied October 26, 2022
- 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
- Promoting Resilience in Youth through Mindfulness mEditation (PRYME): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of mindfulness training as add-on to care-as-usual on internalizing problems, mental illness development, and associated brain and cognitive processes in help-seeking youth. BMC Psychiatry February 14, 2025
and 21 more in the library
Cites 16
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based intervention. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Competence in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Courses: Concepts, Development and Assessment Mindfulness September 21, 2011
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. Industrial Psychiatry Journal October 29, 2024
- The Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Process of Change of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study. Journal of Attention Disorders April 2020
and 11 more in the library