A Meta-analysis of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Impact on ADHD Symptoms, Depression, and Executive Functioning

Summary & key facts

This meta-analysis combined data from 14 studies (total 834 adults with diagnosed ADHD) up to July 2019 to test mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). The pooled results showed that MBIs reduced core ADHD symptoms, lowered depression (negative mood), and improved executive functioning (reduced dysexecutive problems) measured after the interventions. The authors conclude MBIs can be a useful non-pharmacological option for adults with ADHD, based on the studies they reviewed.

Key facts:

• The review included 14 studies with a combined sample of 834 adults diagnosed with ADHD.
• The literature search covered PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases through July 2019.
• Overall, the meta-analysis found that mindfulness-based interventions led to reduced ADHD symptoms measured after the interventions.
• The study found that MBIs were associated with reductions in depression (negative affect) post-intervention.
• The analysis reported improvements in executive functioning, described as reductions in dysexecutive problems, after MBI treatment.
• The authors frame MBIs as non-pharmacological treatments and report the results as supporting their use for adult ADHD.

Topics

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Psychiatry and Mental health

Tags

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Clinical psychology Depression (economics) Economics Internal medicine Law Macroeconomics Medicine MEDLINE Meta-analysis Mindfulness Political science Psychiatry Psychological intervention Psychology PsycINFO

Conditions & symptoms

ADHD Depression Difficulty focusing Sadness or low mood