Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 3241 - Preliminary results of an intervention program based on mindfulness on core symptoms in a children ADHD sample (a randomized controlled trial). |
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| Contribution code | PS01-44 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
A meta-analytic review suggests that mindfulness-based therapies are useful in ADHD, however few studies have evaluated the impact in children. Objectives: The study’s main goal is to know the effect on the core symptoms of ADHD, the executive functions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of an intervention program based on mindfulness in children untreated and newly diagnosed with ADHD. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate preliminary results of group-based mindfulness meditation training on core symptoms. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. A total of 24 subjects were included, randomized in two groups (experimental group and control group).The experimental group received an intervention program based on mindfulness (sessions once-per-week lasting 75 minutes), and the control group received the usual treatment for this condition (and/or school and/or after-school reinforcement and/or pharmacological treatment) for 8 weeks. K-SADS-PL interview was administrated to assess the presence and presentation of ADHD. The study assessments included pre-ant posttest measure of ADHD symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale IV parents’ version) and cognitive functioning (CPT-3). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: This are preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial (grant project: BR201501) with a clinical sample set of 114 patients with ADHD naïve of- 7 to 12-year old randomized into two groups (experimental group and control group). Participants were primarily male (60.9%) ranging in age from 7 to 12 years (mean age=9.13, SD=1.57). Among participants, 63.6% presented an ADHD-combined presentation, 27.3% ADHD-inattentive presentation showing the rest hyperactive-impulsive (9.1%). Respect clinical symptoms from pre-to posttest reduction in scores were observed in all core symptoms of ADHD. Significant results were found between both groups in hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms (p=0.011) and total ADHD symptoms evaluated on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (p=0.027). No significant reduction or differences between both groups on the results of the 4 measures that provides CPT-3 (inattentiveness, sustained attention, vigilance and impulsivity) was found. Conclusion: Although the sample size was small, preliminary results suggest that our program may lead to reduce ADHD children’s symptoms. In summary, the study supports feasibility and potential utility of mindfulness training in at least a subset of children with ADHD. |