We all can suffer from a lack of ability to focus or pay attention, especially when we are stressed. However, for some people, such as children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), focusing is a much greater problem. Symptoms for the disorder include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and poor concentration. The number of cases of ADD has increased significantly in recent times, which may partly be due to the way modern society has developed: Our current way of living puts a very high demand on attention while, as we have noted in a recent blog entry, encouraging a significant amount of distraction and multi-tasking.There are concerns with some of the medications used to treat ADD so alternatives to medication are highly sought after. A very interesting study of mindfulness meditation as a treatment for adults and adolescents with ADD was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders (Zylowka, et al.,2008). The study took typical mindfulness training and adapted it to make it more user friendly for people with ADD. They called this eight week programme 'Mindful Awareness Practices for ADHD’, or MAPS. They found improvement in self-reports of ADD symptoms. In-attention and hyperactivity improved significantly – as measured before the class, at the conclusion, and 3 months after the training was completed. Indeed, they found that there was actually even more improvement at the post 3 month mark than right after the training itself. As Dr Zylowka noted "We always think that our brain makes our mind, but it may work the other way. You can have an impact on your biology"
Mindfulness meditation has three basic steps. These are, firstly, bringing attention to an “attentional anchor” such as breathing. Then noticing when distraction occurs and letting go of the distraction and, finally, refocusing back to the “attentional anchor”. As such it can be seen as a form of “attention training” programme, and as such, examining the impact of such training on ADD becomes a very interesting question to pursue.
"Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD". Journal of Attention Disorders, 11, 737-746.
