Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD

Abstract

Mindfulness training is a feasible intervention in a subset of ADHD adults and adolescents and may improve behavioral and neurocognitive impairments. A controlled clinical study is warranted.

Neuro-imaging of mindfulness meditations: implications for clinical practice

“…As a further example, several disorders exist that are characterized by a deficit or a progressive loss of neuropsychological functions such as attention, including attention deficit/hyperactive disorders (ADHD) in children and several types of dementia in the elderly. Of note, in accordance with neuro-imaging findings reported in the present review, preliminary clinical findings suggest the usefulness of MM in ADHD (Zylowska et al 2008) and some authors have speculated that, by dampening the reduction in grey matter volume in cerebral areas related to attention, such as the putamen, MM might offer protection from cognitive decline usually associated with age (Pagnoni & Cekic, 2007). In addition, future research is needed to explore whether and to what extent MM practice could prevent neurodegenerative disorder such as dementia.…”

Staying Present: Incorporating Mindfulness into Therapy for Dissociation

“…The intentional harnessing of attention is a concentration skill in which clients purposefully shift attention; mindfulness skills improve clients' ability to redirect attention volitionally (Corrigan 2002;Loizzo 2009;Zylowska et al 2008). Staying present occurs both through holding present moment awareness (attentional focus on internal and/or external experience of the present moment) and through participating in the present moment (engagement in experience).…”

“…Mindfulness, when practiced regularly, cultivates concentrative abilities (Hanh 1976). Regular practice at harnessing attention with intention improves attentional capacities (for review, see Brown et al 2007), even in individuals with attention problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Zylowska et al 2008). Beyond influences on executive functioning, attention, and concentration, at a most basic level, mindfulness improves individuals' capacity to focus attention on the present moment (Hanh 1976)-a most fitting and appropriate alternative to absorption, which essentially removes attention from present moment experience.…”

Induced Boredom Constrains Mindfulness: An Online Demonstration

“…It is also consistent with the growing evidence that mindfulness-based interventions may be particularly effective in high risk populations in which boredom, distractibility and impulsiveness are especially prominent -the most obvious example being individuals diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 41,42 Basic support for the effectiveness of the electronic online version of Vowel Cancellation Task was provided by the manipulation check items, the MSBS, which showed a significant elevation in boredom following the vowel cancellation task, and the differential drop-out rates across groups. However, replication is needed before any firm conclusions can be made about the soundness of the approach, despite its apparent promise.…”