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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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01-06-2018 | Original Paper

Mindfulness vs psychoeducation in adult ADHD: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: E. Hoxhaj, C. Sadohara, P. Borel, R. D’Amelio, E. Sobanski, H. Müller, B. Feige, S. Matthies, Alexandra Philipsen

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Background

Mindfulness training is a promising treatment approach in adult ADHD. However, there has not yet been a randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness to an active control condition. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a mindfulness training program (MAP) compared to structured psychoeducation (PE).

Methods

After randomization 81 medication-free adult ADHD patients participated either in an 8-week MAP or PE group program. At baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2) and after 8 months (T3), severity of ADHD and associated symptoms (depression, general psychopathology, quality of life) were measured with the Conner’s ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the SF-36 by self and blind observer ratings.

Results

Both groups showed significant pre–post improvements in observer-rated Inattention scale (p < .001, partial η² = 0.18) and in associated symptomatology, which persisted through 6 months of follow-up. There were no significant differences regarding symptom reduction between the treatment groups. Women benefited more compared to men irrespective of treatment group. Men showed the most pronounced changes under MAP.

Conclusions

In the current study, MAP was not superior to PE regarding symptom reduction in adult ADHD. Both interventions, mindfulness meditation and PE, were efficacious in reducing symptom load in adult ADHD. Furthermore in exploratory post hoc tests the study provides evidence for a potential gender-specific treatment response in adult ADHD.

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Title: Mindfulness vs psychoeducation in adult ADHD: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: E. Hoxhaj
C. Sadohara
P. Borel
R. D’Amelio
E. Sobanski
H. Müller
B. Feige
S. Matthies
Alexandra Philipsen
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-018-0868-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Mindfulness vs psychoeducation in adult ADHD: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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