Mindfulness Based Cognitive Training in Children and Adolescents With ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, with a pooled worldwide prevalence of 7.2% among children. Although medication and behavioral therapy, have been shown to be effective for reducing core symptoms, about 30% of patients with ADHD would not achieve the treatment response and symptomatic remission. Additionally, some children can experience sides effects related to medication. Therefore, other psychological approaches such as Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) have been designed for the management of ADHD. Recent research showed that ADHD is associated with autonomic nervous system dysregulation, characterized by reduced vagally mediated-HRV, in response to a task demand. HRV is an accurate, non-invasive, cost-effective quantitative biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. There is evidence that MBIs could significantly reduce ADHD core symptoms and may enhance HRV through increased parasympathetic modulation. No studies have jointly examined the differential effect of MBIs on ADHD core symptoms, task related-HRV and mood. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a single-session of mindfulness based cognitive training on CVC, core symptoms and mood in children and adolescents with ADHD, aged 6 y-17y, referred to an outpatient Romanian Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit by mental health professionals, teachers and/or parents.