Symptoms Of ADHD Reversed With Mindfulness Meditation

By Deborah O. Norris

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities are headline news these days.Rates of ADHD have increased dramatically in recent years.Treatment strategies continue to be an issue of debate, with long-term pharmaceuticaltherapy proving controversial (“Debate over Drugs for ADHD Reignites”, Washington Post, March 27, 2009).Recent data is showing that mindfulness meditation when taught to those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has lasting effects of reversing or eliminating the symptoms of ADHD.Studies have shown that children who meditate have improved cognitive performance, improved coping skills and school performance, and improved test scores and grades.Other benefits include better social skills and educational outcome. The effects of meditation are long lasting, and create life-long skills that change the neural networks of the brain, the neurochemistry of the brain, and improve the emotional and mental state of the individual who practices.

ADHD is defined (DSM-IV TR) as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and the inability to focus.” Symptoms of ADHD include lack of clarity of thought, distractibility and forgetfulness.ADHD affects school performance, social skills, and educational outcome. The lists below show the characteristics that define ADHD as well as the proven benefits of meditation, not only in treating ADHD, but also in a broad area of research.

Research on Mindfulness Meditation shows that it improves attentiveness, clarity of focus and clarity of thought. Meditation also creates a greater sense of peacefulness and stillness, feelings of control, and improved memory and creativity.

Characteristics of ADHD

1. Inability to attend to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

2. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

3. Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly

4. Not following through on instructions and failing to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace

5. Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

6. Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

General Effects of Meditation

1. Improved executive functioning (alerting and orienting)

2. Increased attention regulation

3. Increased expressive attention

4. Increased motivation and ability to follow through on projects