The Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Process of Change of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study.
Lotte Janssen, Alicia M De Vries, Sevket Hepark, Anne E. M. Speckens
Journal of Attention Disorders April 2020 DOI: 10.1177/1087054717727350 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-method study Randomized Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Adults with ADHD |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adult ADHD Treatment Qualitative research |
| Key points | The adapted MBCT program appeared feasible for adults with ADHD, with a 16% drop-out rate (5 of 31), and was associated with significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and improvements in executive functioning, self-compassion, and mental health. The authors present this as preliminary evidence and call for an adequately powered randomized controlled trial. |
Abstract
Objective: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising psychosocial intervention for adult ADHD. The feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted MBCT program is explored, together with the possible process of change.
Method: Mixed-method study with 31 ADHD patients participating in an adapted MBCT program. Self-report questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, patient functioning, and health status were administered before and after MBCT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 patients.
Results: A modest drop-out of n = 5 (16%) was found. MBCT resulted in a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms and improvements of executive functioning, self-compassion, and mental health. Qualitative analysis provided insight in facilitators and barriers participants experienced, and their process of change.
Conclusion: The adapted MBCT program seemed to be feasible for adults with ADHD and preliminary evidence for the effectiveness is shown. An adequately powered Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is needed to further examine the effectiveness of MBCT for ADHD.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- 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
- A Critical Review and 10-Year Update on Prospects for a Clinical Science of Mindfulness-Based Intervention Mindfulness July 7, 2026
- Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for chronic noncancer pain and prescription opioid use disorder: A qualitative pilot study of its feasibility and the perceived process of change Brain and Behavior May 24, 2023
- Putting mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to the test in routine clinical practice: A transdiagnostic panacea or a disorder specific intervention? Journal of Psychiatric Research October 2021
- The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder beyond core symptoms: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Journal of Affective Disorders September 1, 2021
and 6 more in the library
Cites 16
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Neural mechanisms of attentional control in mindfulness meditation Frontiers in Neuroscience 2013
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies for ADHD: A Meta-Analytic Review Journal of Attention Disorders March 1, 2020
and 11 more in the library