Traditionally, the treatment for ADHD often includes stimulant medications and behavioral therapy. Scientists believe the root cause is linked to a lag in the brain’s natural development, and this is where Transcendental Meditation for ADHD stands out as a potential intervention.
Dr. Sarina Grosswald, a cognitive learning expert [2], explains the difference between TM and conventional drug treatments, “Meditation is not a quick fix. But, over time, Transcendental Meditation allows the brain to create the neural connections that correct the underlying problem. The drug is an immediate fix, but when it wears off, the problem remains—the lack of brain integration.”
Dr. Grosswald’s research on ADHD and meditation shows how Transcendental Meditation works differently from pharmaceutical interventions.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
The Transcendental Meditation technique is an effortless meditation technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. Extensive published research have found that Transcendental Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves learning ability, and promotes wellness for mind and body.
Unlike some forms of meditation that focus on concentration or control of the mind, TM allows the mind to naturally reach a deep state of rest while being fully aware. Transcendental meditation is distinguished by its simplicity, making it suitable for people of all ages and levels of experience.
Benefits of Transcendental Meditation for ADHD
Dr. Grosswald’s research demonstrates that TM is a cost-effective approach that can serve as a lifelong tool for managing ADHD and its challenges [2]. TM addresses the symptoms but also contributes to the overall well-being of individuals with ADHD. This is because it fosters a more integrated and harmonious brain function.
Improved Attention and Focus
One of the core challenges faced by individuals with ADHD is difficulty maintaining attention. TM enhances attention and focus, which makes it a valuable tool for managing this aspect of ADHD.
Increased Brain Processing & Heightened EEG Coherence
TM has been shown to improve brain processing. It suggests that the practice may positively impact cognitive functions related to attention and information processing.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence is a measure of the synchronized activity of brain waves. Research suggests that individuals with ADHD who practice TM experience heightened EEG coherence, reflecting improved communication and integration within the brain.
Reduced Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
Practicing TM contributes to reducing impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. This reduction can lead to a calmer and more controlled behavior, positively impacting daily functioning.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety & Better Sleep Quality
Individuals with ADHD often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety. TM reduces these symptoms, making it a valuable tool for emotional regulation.
Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with ADHD, worsening their symptoms. TM improves sleep quality, contributing to overall well-being.
Improved Focus and Academic Performance
Students practicing TM improved their ability to focus on tasks, leading to better academic performance [4]
Enhanced Relationships
TM may improve relationships at home, school, and with friends. The practice contributes to a calmer and more collected behavior, influencing interpersonal interactions.
Incorporating TM into School Settings
As Dr. Lucia John has been teaching the TM technique to children in several towns throughout the Caribbean island-nation of Dominica as a stress-management tool to help students reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teachers and parents have seen a noticeable improvement. But more important, research suggests that Transcendental Meditation practice may alleviate ADHD by actually changing the brain.
“The results kids are reporting from the practice include calmer, more collected minds; greater ability to focus; better memory; greater ability to do homework without distractions; and better relationships at home, at school, and with friends,” says Dr. John. “Teachers have also started noticing these positive changes. Parents are experiencing greater calm, more normal blood pressure, and greater happiness with their children.”
Brain studies suggest that ADHD reflects a three-year delay in development of connection with the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for planning and control of impulsive behavior. Fred Travis, Ph.D., lead author of the study, observed that the practice leads to higher frontal blood flow and greater overall brain integration, the communication between the various parts of the brain is strengthened.
“We suggest that these brain changes as a result of Transcendental Meditation practice enhance the delayed development of frontal executive control circuits, and so ADHD symptoms are progressively alleviated,” Dr. Travis says.
He said that although drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD may alleviate symptoms, they also seem to interfere with the brain’s normal development, such that the developmental delay in a child with ADHD may eventually become an ongoing impairment.
While it is not known exactly what causes high theta/beta ratios in children with ADHD, a study found that Transcendental Meditation practice decreases these theta/beta ratios in students with ADHD. The random-assignment controlled study published in Mind & Brain, The Journal of Psychiatry (Vol. 2, No. 1) found that within three months of Transcendental Meditation practice, the theta/beta ratios had significantly decreased, and after six months of the practice, theta/beta ratios were within the normal range.
Long-Term Impact and Maintenance of Benefits
The studies and testimonials point towards positive short-term and medium-term effects of TM. However, more research is needed on the long-term impact of TM on individuals with ADHD. Understanding the maintenance of benefits over time can provide insights into the sustainability of this approach.
By expanding our understanding of the benefits of Transcendental Meditation for ADHD through scientific research, we open new avenues for exploration in the pursuit of promoting the well-being of individuals with ADHD.
Learning the Transcendental Meditation for ADHD relief
The technique is available in the USA through Maharishi Foundation USA, a federally recognized non-profit educational organization. Through partnerships with other non-profit organizations and foundations like the David Lynch Foundation, full TM scholarships have been given to more than 250,000 at-risk children, veterans suffering from PTSD, homeless people, and others.
TM can be tailored to suit each person’s unique circumstances. Whether someone prefers a structured routine or a more flexible approach, TM can be adapted to fit different lifestyles. The flexibility and inclusivity of TM ensures that individuals feel empowered to incorporate the practice in a way that resonates with them, making it a sustainable and personalized tool for managing ADHD.
Transcendental Meditation for ADHD: a natural remedy
As the scientific community explores alternative and complementary approaches to managing ADHD, Transcendental Meditation emerges as a promising method.
While medication for ADHD offers immediate relief, TM stands out as a cost-effective and lifelong tool that not only alleviates symptoms but addresses the underlying issues associated with the condition.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
- Global Mother Divine Organization. (2023, July 11). Transcendental meditation benefits: Mind: Reduce ADHD. Transcendental Meditation (TM) For Women. https://tm-women.org/reducing-symptoms-of-adhd/
- Feloni, R. (2016, November 15). How the offshoot of an ancient Hindu practice popularized by the Beatles made its way to wall street. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-transcendental-meditation-2016-11
- The Habari Network Inc. (n.d.). Transcendental meditation alleviates ADHD in dominica schools. The Habari Network. https://www.thehabarinetwork.com/transcendental-meditation-alleviates-adhd-in-dominica-schools
