Mindfulness vs psychoeducation in adult ADHD: a randomized controlled trial.
Eliza Hoxhaj, C Sadohara, P Borel, R D'Amelio, E Sobanski, H Müller, B Feige, S Matthies, Alexandra Philipsen
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience June 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0868-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 81 |
| Population | Medication-free adults with ADHD |
| Interventions | Mindfulness training program (MAP) structured psychoeducation (PE) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 6-month follow-up (8 months total) |
| Measures | Conner's ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), SF-36 |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adult ADHD Gender Psychoeducation Psychotherapy |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training was not superior to structured psychoeducation for reducing ADHD symptoms in adults; both produced significant pre-post improvements in observer-rated inattention and associated symptoms that persisted through 6 months of follow-up. Exploratory post hoc tests suggested women benefited more than men regardless of treatment, while men showed the most pronounced changes under mindfulness training. |
Abstract
Mindfulness training is a promising treatment approach in adult ADHD. However, there has not yet been a randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness to an active control condition. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a mindfulness training program (MAP) compared to structured psychoeducation (PE). After randomization 81 medication-free adult ADHD patients participated either in an 8-week MAP or PE group program. At baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2) and after 8 months (T3), severity of ADHD and associated symptoms (depression, general psychopathology, quality of life) were measured with the Conner's ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the SF-36 by self and blind observer ratings. Both groups showed significant pre-post improvements in observer-rated Inattention scale (p < .001, partial η2 = 0.18) and in associated symptomatology, which persisted through 6 months of follow-up. There were no significant differences regarding symptom reduction between the treatment groups. Women benefited more compared to men irrespective of treatment group. Men showed the most pronounced changes under MAP. In the current study, MAP was not superior to PE regarding symptom reduction in adult ADHD. Both interventions, mindfulness meditation and PE, were efficacious in reducing symptom load in adult ADHD. Furthermore in exploratory post hoc tests the study provides evidence for a potential gender-specific treatment response in adult ADHD.
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 15
- 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
- Mindfulness Intervention Reduced Executive Dysfunction, Delay Aversion, and ADHD Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial Based on the Dual Pathway Model. The Behavior Therapist 2026
- Mindfulness-based interventions for adults with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis Medicine September 12, 2025
- Trait mindfulness in adolescents with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities January 31, 2025
- The Effect of Meditation-Based Mind-Body Interventions on Symptoms and Executive Function in People With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Journal of Attention Disorders February 20, 2023
and 10 more in the library
Cites 18
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
and 13 more in the library