Evaluation of the effects of the mindfulness meditation practices on cognition of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have impairments in attentional subsystems of alerting and conflict monitoring. Mindfulness meditation may lead to an improvement of these deficits, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the studies that demonstrated these improvements did not use a control group, nor controlled the use of medication. In the present study we will examine the effects of the mindfulness practices (same protocol of 8 weekly sessions used in the study that showed positive effects in this disorder) in the attentional performance of 15 adult patients with ADHD by means of Attentional Network Test (Fan et al., 2002). The performance of these patients will be compared to an "active" control group with ADHD which will be submitted to a semi-structured cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which improves mood but does not alter cognitive performance, with a similar protocol to that of the meditation group, and also to a control group of patients who will not practice anything (standby group). The patients will be under stable treatment with methylphenidate. The groups will be matched by age, education, gender, comorbidities, and intelligent quotient. Cognitive performance, mood, and the quality of life will be assessed by validated questionnaires before and after treatment/standby. We hope to verify an improvement in cognition of the meditation group compared to the other groups, and improved mood after to meditation and CBT in relation to the standby group. The results of this study may have impact on alternatives for the ADHD treatment since drug therapy is not affective for most patients. (AU)