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.
Several of the books on the Books page have extensive examples of research on mindfulness meditation. Here are some links to other sources on the web:
Mindful
http://www.mindful.org
A website with many resources. You may also subscribe to the magazine: Mindful.
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
(A comprehensive site, also with some free guided meditations you can play or download.)
http://www.marc.ucla.edu
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.
A short video from the Huffington Post: Practicing Mindfulness May Reduce ADHD Behaviors, Increase Attention In Young Students
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.”
Brief Summary of Mindfulness Research from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
The following summary was created by Dr. Lisa Flook and Greg Flaxman. Researchers’ interest in mindfulness practice has steadily increased as studies continue to reveal its beneficial effects. Current research looks at how the brain responds to mindfulness practice, how relationships benefit, and how physical and mental health improves, as well as other topics. The following presents a sample of the results from investigations seeking to uncover more of what mindfulness can offer to enhance human well-being. This was developed a lay resource covering: brain and the immune system; relationships; clinical applications; mindfulness in education; and other mind/body practices.
Mindfulness Research Summary (download pdf)
From a study done at Massachusetts General Hospital:
Mindfulness meditation training changes brain structure in 8 weeks.
Exercising the Mind to Treat Attention Deficits: Daniel Goleman, New York Times
Five Mindful Ways to Change Your Brain: Julianne Davidow, ABD Survival Guide