Mindfulness Practices for ADHD
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+1 other location
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Disqualifiers: Severe depression, Mania, Substance abuse, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly persists into adulthood and is associated with significant life impairments. The current study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a group-based mindfulness intervention for first-year college students with ADHD. If found to be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious, subsequent research will examine its impact on a larger scale to have a broader public health impact for college students with ADHD.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but it mentions that participants should not have an unstable dosage of psychotropic medication (medications that affect mood, perception, or behavior). It might be best to discuss your current medication with the trial coordinators.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for ADHD?
Research shows that mindfulness-based treatments, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs), can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve mental health in adults. These therapies have shown promising results in improving attention and self-control, which are often challenging for people with ADHD.
12345Is mindfulness safe for people with ADHD?
Mindfulness practices, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs), have been studied for ADHD and are generally considered safe for adults and children. Some studies show they can help improve mental health and reduce ADHD symptoms, with only a modest drop-out rate, indicating they are well-tolerated.
34567How is the Mindfulness Awareness Practices treatment different from other ADHD treatments?
Mindfulness Awareness Practices for ADHD is unique because it focuses on improving attention and self-regulation through mindfulness meditation, which is a non-drug approach. This treatment helps individuals with ADHD by enhancing their ability to focus and manage emotions, offering an alternative or complement to traditional medication-based therapies.
34589Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for first-year college students aged 17-25 who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Participants should not have major medical issues or severe mental health conditions like depression, mania, substance abuse, personality disorders that could affect group participation, psychosis, recent trauma, or unstable psychotropic medication doses.Inclusion Criteria
I am a first-semester college student with ADHD.
I am between 17 and 25 years old.
You meet the requirements for ADHD.
+1 more
Exclusion Criteria
My mental health medication dose has been changing.
I have experienced symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.
Ongoing substance abuse
+4 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants undergo an 8-week, group-based mindfulness program (MAPs) for ADHD, delivered within university counseling center settings.
8 weeks
Weekly sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 1-month and 6-month post-treatment.
6 months
Participant Groups
The study is testing a mindfulness program adapted for ADHD against the usual services provided to these students. It aims to see if this approach is practical and helpful in managing ADHD symptoms among first-year college students.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Adapted Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPS)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
The Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD program, an 8-week, group-based mindfulness program for adults with ADHD, has been shown to reduce ADHD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. While promising, it is unknown as to whether the MAPs protocol is feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for college students with ADHD. The current study takes the first step towards enhanced study of mindfulness for college students with ADHD by testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adapted MAPs protocol delivered within university counseling center settings during the first semester of college.
Group II: Services-As-UsualActive Control1 Intervention
Services-As-Usual includes the standard academic support services provided by university disability/accessibility offices.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Department of Psychology, University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL
Department of Psychology, Wofford CollegeSpartanburg, SC
Loading ...
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama, TuscaloosaLead Sponsor
Wofford CollegeCollaborator
References
The Efficacy of Adapted MBCT on Core Symptoms and Executive Functioning in Adults With ADHD: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness as a treatment for adults diagnosed with ADHD. A 12-week-adapted mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program is compared with a waiting list (WL) group.
Mindfulness vs psychoeducation in adult ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. [2018]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).
The Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Process of Change of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study. [2022]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.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. treatment as usual in adults with ADHD: a multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. [2020]There is a high need for evidence-based psychosocial treatments for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to offer alongside treatment as usual (TAU). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising psychosocial treatment. This trial investigated the efficacy of MBCT + TAU v. TAU in reducing core symptoms in adults with ADHD.
Mindfulness Meditation Training for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adulthood: Current Empirical Support, Treatment Overview, and Future Directions. [2022]Research examining nonpharmacological interventions for adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has expanded in recent years and provides patients with more treatment options. Mindfulness-based training is an example of an intervention that is gaining promising preliminary empirical support and is increasingly administered in clinical settings. The aim of this review is to provide a rationale for the application of mindfulness to individuals diagnosed with ADHD, describe the current state of the empirical basis for mindfulness training in ADHD, and summarize a treatment approach specific to adults diagnosed with ADHD: the Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD Program. Two case study examples are provided to demonstrate relevant clinical issues for practitioners interested in this approach. Directions for future research, including mindfulness meditation as a standalone treatment and as a complementary approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy, are provided.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies for ADHD: A Meta-Analytic Review. [2021]Objective: Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) have been shown to be efficacious in treating internally focused psychological disorders (e.g., depression); however, it is still unclear whether MBTs provide improved functioning and symptom relief for individuals with externalizing disorders, including ADHD. To clarify the literature on the effectiveness of MBTs in treating ADHD and to guide future research, an effect-size analysis was conducted. Method: A systematic review of studies published in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar was completed from the earliest available date until December 2014. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the analysis of inattention and the overall effect size was d = -.66. A total of nine studies were included in the analysis of hyperactivity/impulsivity and the overall effect was calculated at d = -.53. Conclusion: Results of this study highlight the possible benefits of MBTs in reducing symptoms of ADHD.
Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2023](1) Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions have been receiving more attention in research for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the findings of randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. (2) Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar was completed from the earliest available date until August 2022. (3) Results: The systematic review included 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and the meta-analysis included 11 studies. The overall effect sizes were g = 0.77 for ADHD symptoms, g = 0.03 for externalizing behavior problem, g = 0.13 for internalizing behavior problem, g = 0.43 for mindfulness, and g = 0.40 for parental stress for children with ADHD. (4) Conclusion: The results of this systematic review highlight the possible benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD.
Mindfulness training as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for ADHD within families. [2022]Individuals with ADHD face significant neurodevelopmental hurdles with inattention and/or hyperactive/impulsive behavior through their life span. Mindfulness training may be one self-regulatory method for strengthening attentional processes (orienting, alerting, and executive attention). This review's goals are to (a) argue for the use of mindfulness training as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for ADHD and (b) call for improving psychosocial intervention for ADHD within families by integrating mindfulness training with behavioral parent training.
A Pilot Trial of Mindfulness Meditation Training for ADHD in Adulthood: Impact on Core Symptoms, Executive Functioning, and Emotion Dysregulation. [2022]Mindfulness meditation training is garnering increasing empirical interest as an intervention for ADHD in adulthood, although no studies of mindfulness as a standalone treatment have included a sample composed entirely of adults with ADHD or a comparison group. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of mindfulness meditation for ADHD, executive functioning (EF), and emotion dysregulation symptoms in an adult ADHD sample.