Clinical application of mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) is a self-regulatory training used for attentional and behavioral problems. With its focus on attention and equanimity, MOM is a promising form of training that is gaining empirical support as a complementary intervention for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, eventually impacting positively also on family functioning. In this chapter we concisely review current state, future perspective, and limitations of applications of MOM interventions targeted at reducing ADHD core symptoms and possible ADHD-associated deficits or comorbidity (e.g., emotional dysregulation, anxiety, sleep problems and possibly elevated spontaneous mind-wandering). The association between adverse childhood experiences and ADHD diagnosis and treatment will also be discussed.