Mindfulness Research
Mindfulness Research Studies
Today, many people are using mindfulness-based practices for physical and mental health and well being. In the past 30 years, a growing body of mindfulness research studies has shown solid evidence of its benefits. Mindfulness research studies for ADHD is also becoming an established field of study.
Sources to Explore
Several of the books on the Recommended Reading page have extensive examples of research on mindfulness meditation. Here are some links to other sources on the web:
Mindful
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
A comprehensive site, also with some free guided meditations you can play or download.
Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD: A Feasibility Study
Journal of Attention Disorders [PubMed], November 19, 2007
In the study, it was found that:
“Seventy-eight percent of participants reported a reduction in total ADHD symptoms, with 30% reporting at least a 30% symptom reduction (a 30% reduction in symptoms is often used to identify clinically significant improvement in ADHD medication trials). Because the majority of participants were receiving medication treatment, for many these declines represent improvement above and beyond what benefits were already being provided by medication.”
Read the review of the study by Dr. David Rabiner.
ADHD Kids Can Get Better by Krista Mahr (TIME, Nov 12, 2007)
“The ability to pay better attention is one of those things that people can consciously and physically improve in themselves, says Dr. Lidia Zylowska, who heads a program for ADHD patients at the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Zylowska’s early research in meditation — one technique within the larger practice of mindful awareness — suggests that it can improve older ADHD patients’ ability to stay focused. The practice may also work for kids.”