Effectiveness of Mindfulness in Reducing Impulsivity in Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

摘要

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is marked by impulsivity. Mindfulness techniques have successfully been applied to the treatment of a number of psychological disorders associated with impulsivity, but there is limited research on the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions with youth. This study examined the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness intervention on reducing impulsivity in youth, between the ages of 12 and 15, seeking treatment for ADHD in an outpatient mental health clinic. Impulsivity, as well as internalizing and externalizing symptoms, were measured pre and post intervention. Twelve youth assigned to treatment as usual or a mindfulness intervention. The experimental group participated in a standardized mindfulness group, meeting 50 minutes once a week for four weeks. Posttest analyses showed statistically significant decreases in impulsivity and increased attentiveness in the experimental group. Such improvement has implications for treatment of ADHD in youth.