The Efficacy of Adapted MBCT on Core Symptoms and Executive Functioning in Adults With ADHD: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a treatment for adults diagnosed with ADHD.
Results Summary
MBCT significantly reduced ADHD symptoms (both investigator-rated and self-reported) and improved executive functioning and mindfulness skills, though no improvements were observed for depressive and anxiety symptoms or patient functioning. The efficacy of MBCT was partially mediated by an increase in the mindfulness skill "Act With Awareness."
Population
Adults diagnosed with ADHD
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program | decrease | ADHD symptoms | Adults with ADHD | - | significant reduction | #1 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program | increase | executive functioning | Adults with ADHD | - | significant improvements | #2 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program | increase | mindfulness skills | Adults with ADHD | - | significant improvements | #3 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program | no change | depressive and anxiety symptoms | Adults with ADHD | - | no improvements were observed | #4 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program | no change | patient functioning | Adults with ADHD | - | no improvements were observed | #5 |
OBJECTIVE: 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. METHOD: Adults with ADHD were randomly allocated to MBCT ( n = 55) or waitlist ( n = 48). Outcome measures included investigator-rated ADHD symptoms (primary), self-reported ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, depressive and anxiety symptoms, patient functioning, and mindfulness skills. RESULTS: MBCT resulted in a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms, both investigator-rated and self-reported, based on per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. Significant improvements in executive functioning and mindfulness skills were found. Additional analyses suggested that the efficacy of MBCT in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving executive functioning is partially mediated by an increase in the mindfulness skill "Act With Awareness." No improvements were observed for depressive and anxiety symptoms, and patient functioning. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of MBCT for adults with ADHD.