Author: Hoxhaj E1, Sadohara C1, Borel P1, D'Amelio R2, Sobanski E3,4, Müller H5, Feige B1, Matthies S1, Philipsen A6,7
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
<sup>2</sup>Institute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
<sup>3</sup>Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
<sup>4</sup>Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
<sup>5</sup>Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy-University Hospital, Karl-Jaspers-Klinik, Hermann-Ehlers-Straße 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany.
<sup>6</sup>Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. alexandra.philipsen@uni-oldenburg.de.
<sup>7</sup>Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy-University Hospital, Karl-Jaspers-Klinik, Hermann-Ehlers-Straße 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany. alexandra.philipsen@uni-oldenburg.de.
Conference/Journal: Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci.
Date published: 2018 Jan 22
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00406-018-0868-4. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 231
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.
KEYWORDS: Adult ADHD; Gender; Mindfulness; Psychoeducation; Psychotherapy
PMID: 29356899 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0868-4