Assessing willingness and preference for body scan practices in ADHD: a survey study

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition, but current treatment options are limited. Although medication is widely used, it does not fully address all challenges and can result in considerable side effects. One approach showing promise in alleviating symptoms is mindfulness. However, typical mindfulness-based stress reduction programmes require a significant time commitment, resulting in high attrition. Researchers have therefore started to focus on discrete components on mindfulness, including the body scan meditation.

Before embarking on large-scale trials, it is helpful to understand the willingness and preferences for body scan practice. Using an online survey, we examined current mindfulness exercises and preferences, willingness, belief that it was feasible to engage in body scan practices in 157 individuals with ADHD.

We found that most were not currently practising mindfulness but were willing to do so and believed that it was feasible. Symptom severity and available space were predictors of willingness. Preferences were shown for professional classes and 1-2 body scan practices per week. These data indicate people with ADHD are willing to engage with body scan practices, supporting the implementation of large-scale studies.

The result provides insights to support the co-development of an intervention based on body scan meditation to manage the difficulties and the design of future studies to investigate its efficacy.