Mindfulness for ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the name for developmental differences that occur in the brain’s executive functioning. Executive functions are the skills involved in planning, attention, motivation, and impulse control. People with ADHD can experience a number of differences such as:

• Noticing that it can be hard to organise thoughts, living space and life in general
• Difficulties with self-motivating
• Challenges regulating emotion 
• Losing track of time, tardiness and challenges meeting deadlines
• Misplacing or losing things frequently
• Finding it hard to slow down and relax

In order to understand executive function, an analogy might be useful. Think of a car like a Ferrari which is very powerful and can move very quickly. Because of the power of the engine, the ignition, brakes and steering can be compromised and it can be hard for the car to get going, hard to stop, and hard to guide that powerful engine to the destination you want. This can be how people with ADHD experience their brain – they have an endless supply of good ideas and energy but it can be hard to direct and sustain the necessary focus and attention to deliver on these ideas. This can be very disheartening and upsetting for the person with ADHD as they do not always achieve the things they want to or reach their full potential.  This is why many people with  ADHD also experience low mood, anxiety and low self-esteem.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a set of practices intended to help us slow down to gain more awareness and influence over our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. For the Ferrari that means improved ignition, brakes and steering. For someone with ADHD it means improved self-motivation, impulse control and wiser choices. In short, mindfulness can help you to get the most out of your brain.

What’s the evidence for this?

There’s evidence that mindfulness practice can help everyone to regulate their emotions, clear their mind and make wiser choices, and people with ADHD are no exception. Please see below for more:

 From ADDitude

‘Researchers have shown that, compared with people who don’t meditate, long-time meditators have different EEG and MRI patterns, particularly in the brain’s frontal region — the region that is involved with executive functioning. Another study found a rise in the level of dopamine, the very neurotransmitter in short supply in ADHD, during meditative states.’

From Healthline

‘Multiple studies have analyzed mindfulness meditation’s effects on ADHD-like symptoms in the general population — with positive results. Data indicates that meditation can foster and improve on-task, sustained attention, reduce mind wandering, and regulate emotion.’

WebMD

‘Research shows that mindfulness meditation can be very helpful in relieving ADHD differences. One landmark UCLA study found that people with ADHD who attended a mindfulness meditation session once a week for 2 1/2 hours, then completed a daily home meditation practice that gradually increased from 5 to 15 minutes over 8 weeks, were better able to stay focused on tasks. They were also less depressed and anxious. Other studies since then have had similar results.’

Do I need a diagnosis of ADHD to take part?

No. Anyone who relates to the symptoms listed above can take part in the course. The reason for this is that the traits of ADHD are on a continuum. Some people have few traits, some people have a lot, and some people are in the middle. So, many people can struggle with features of ADHD, without being severe enough to warrant a diagnosis. We don’t want anyone who may benefit to miss out on this powerful practice.  

When is our next course?

Our next course date has not been yet been decided for 2026 yet. For those who are interested in attending the Mindfulness in ADHD course, you can call the clinic on 091 727777 or get in touch via the contact page or admin@ebtc.ie.