Mindfulness and ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviour, is reported to affect 4% of adults and 10% of children and adolescents. Certain pharmaceutical interventions, Concerta and Ritalin, have shown to be the most effective interventions for the disorder. However, the use of these drugs have come under much scientific and public debate, due to the many negative side effects patients seem to experience. It is for this reason, that many people affected by the disorder have looked to non-pharmaceutical alternatives.
Scientists, exploring alternative treatment solutions, have investigated the effects of exercise, diet, sleep and various therapy techniques with a considerable amount of success. The role of mindfulness and meditation can be understood through the nature of ADHD, which is regarded as a cognitive deficit in executive functioning. This, essentially, impairs one’s ability to self-regulate, either behaviourally or emotionally. Mindfulness meditation training can be used as a cognitive/attention exercise programme, where focus is brought to a specific anchor, distraction is observed and attention is re-orientated towards the chosen anchor. Through repetition, this foundational mindfulness practice not only aims to improve one’s ability to sustain attention to what is most important, but also to cope with high levels of emotional arousal – a common deficit amongst ADHD patients.
The paucity of research, aiming to understand the role mindfulness meditation plays, indicates that such a programme can have a positive effect on a behavioural and neurocognitive level. Zylowska et al. (2007) found positive changes amongst ADHD patients on a number of cognitive tasks following mindfulness training. However, they believe a great deal more research needs to be conducted before generalisations can be made.
Although the empirical research supporting the role mindfulness training plays in treating ADHD patients is limited. I strongly suggest, based on my own battles with the disorder, that one should rather look to more sustainable, natural and cheaper alternatives before running off to their local pharmacy. I have diligently used a disciplined mindfulness practice, exercise routine, and healthy diet. This deadly combination has had a considerable impact on my ability to stay and remain focused on that, which is most important.
Tim
Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale T. S., Pataki, C., & Smalley S. L. (2007).
Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviour, is reported to affect 4% of adults and 10% of children and adolescents. Certain pharmaceutical interventions, Concerta and Ritalin, have shown to be the most effective interventions for the disorder. However, the use of these drugs have come under much scientific and public debate, due to the many negative side effects patients seem to experience. It is for this reason, that many people affected by the disorder have looked to non-pharmaceutical alternatives.
Scientists, exploring alternative treatment solutions, have investigated the effects of exercise, diet, sleep and various therapy techniques with a considerable amount of success. The role of mindfulness and meditation can be understood through the nature of ADHD, which is regarded as a cognitive deficit in executive functioning. This, essentially, impairs one’s ability to self-regulate, either behaviourally or emotionally. Mindfulness meditation training can be used as a cognitive/attention exercise programme, where focus is brought to a specific anchor, distraction is observed and attention is re-orientated towards the chosen anchor. Through repetition, this foundational mindfulness practice not only aims to improve one’s ability to sustain attention to what is most important, but also to cope with high levels of emotional arousal – a common deficit amongst ADHD patients.
The paucity of research, aiming to understand the role mindfulness meditation plays, indicates that such a programme can have a positive effect on a behavioural and neurocognitive level. Zylowska et al. (2007) found positive changes amongst ADHD patients on a number of cognitive tasks following mindfulness training. However, they believe a great deal more research needs to be conducted before generalisations can be made.
Although the empirical research supporting the role mindfulness training plays in treating ADHD patients is limited. I strongly suggest, based on my own battles with the disorder, that one should rather look to more sustainable, natural and cheaper alternatives before running off to their local pharmacy. I have diligently used a disciplined mindfulness practice, exercise routine, and healthy diet. This deadly combination has had a considerable impact on my ability to stay and remain focused on that, which is most important.
Tim
Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale T. S., Pataki, C., & Smalley S. L. (2007).
Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders.