Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Combining Mindfulness and Cognitive Training in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Preliminary Results from the NeuroMind Study |
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| Contribution code | D3.068 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has an overall prevalence of 5%. Cognitive Training (CT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) interventions have shown promising results in managing ADHD symptoms, but these are not Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) treatments. The NeuroMind study aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of three interventions: Mindfulness for Health (M4H), Cognitive Training using the NeuronUP® (CT) platform, and Mindfulness Cognitive Training (MCT). The aim of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the short-term effectiveness of these interventions compared to TAU in ADHD symptomatology and mindfulness levels. Method: Children between 7 and 12 years old diagnosed of ADHD were randomly assigned to one of four arms of the study: TAU vs. TAU + CT vs. TAU + M4H vs. TAU + MCT. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale and mindfulness levels using The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale Adapted for Children (MAAS-C) pre-intervention and post-intervention (2 months later). The efficacy of the interventions studied (vs TAU) was evaluated using repeated-action ANOVAs. Results: A total of 81 participants participated in the study (M4H= 21; MCT = 21; CT = 20; TAU = 19). A statistically significant effect was observed in the group x time (p= 0.026) in terms of improvements in mindfulness levels, with improvements greater than TAU being observed in the group that received the TAU + MCT intervention. Likewise, no differences were found in terms of the effect of the groups on the ADHD symptomatology variable. Conclusions: The MCT program was able to improve mindfulness skills in children with ADHD. This study represents a preliminary analysis of the NeuroMind project that is still active and will involve the participation of 120 participants, long-term follow-up as well as a wide range of clinical and neuropsychological measures. If the feasibility and effectiveness of the interventions studied are evidenced, a path is opened for future studies with larger sample sizes that eventually facilitate the implementation of this type of strategies in clinical practice in our public health context. |