[Mindfulness as treatment for ADHD]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Mindfulness interventions (MI) are increasingly explored as complementary therapies.
• Current knowledge on MI effectiveness for ADHD requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for ADHD.
• To assess the impact of MI on ADHD symptoms and related outcomes in different age groups.
• To identify gaps in the current research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across four major databases.
• Fifteen relevant studies were identified and included in the review.
• Data on MI effectiveness for adult and pediatric ADHD populations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• In adults, MI significantly reduced ADHD symptoms, but effects on other outcomes remain unclear.
• For children and adolescents, evidence suggests potential benefits in planning, cognitive flexibility, and family interactions.
• No studies directly compared MI efficacy against pharmacological treatments for ADHD.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness interventions show promise for managing ADHD symptoms, particularly in adults.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and standardized designs is necessary to clarify MI efficacy in pediatric ADHD.
• The current evidence base is limited, highlighting the need for more robust studies.