Mechanisms of Change in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Adults With ADHD

J Atten Disord. 2021 Jul;25(9):1331-1342. doi: 10.1177/1087054719896865. Epub 2020 Jan 6.

Abstract

Objective: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been demonstrated to be effective in adults with ADHD. The aim of the current study was to examine its possible working mechanisms. Method: In the context of an randomized controlled trial (RCT), MBCT + TAU (treatment as usual) (n = 43) versus TAU (n = 51), we used mediation analyses to examine whether reduction of clinician-rated ADHD symptoms and improvement of positive mental health at 6-month follow-up had been mediated by change in mindfulness skills, self-compassion, and executive functioning over the course of MBCT. Results: Increase of self-compassion mediated improvement of positive mental health at 6-month follow-up. Improvement of mindfulness skills or self-compassion did not mediate the reduction in ADHD symptoms. Additional analyses suggest that self-reported inhibition did. Conclusion: The effect of MBCT on ADHD symptoms and positive mental health thus occurred via different mechanisms of change, that is, by improvements in inhibition and self-compassion, respectively.

Keywords: ADHD; inhibition; mediation; mindfulness; self-compassion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness*