Education News: Top Stories

Students with ADHD calmer, less stressed with Transcendental Meditation

Maharishi University of Management Translate This Article
29 July 2011

New study shows Transcendental Meditation improves brain functioning in ADHD students
Continuation of press release from Maharishi University of Management about a new study, published 26 July 2011 in Mind & Brain, The Journal of Psychiatry (Vol 2, No 1): ADHD, Brain Functioning, and Transcendental Meditation Practice.
The random-assignment controlled study found improved brain functioning and decreased symptoms of attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students practicing the Transcendental Meditation^® (TM) technique.

See earlier sections of this press release:
∙ 'A non-drug approach to enhance students' ability to learn'
∙ 'What was measured' & 'Why the TM Technique'
∙ 'Transcendental Meditation ''trains the brain to function in a style opposite to that of ADHD'' '

Student and Parent Surveys

Students reported that the Transcendental Meditation technique was enjoyable and easy to do. They felt calmer, less stressed, and better able to concentrate on their schoolwork. They also said they were happier since they started TM. This correlated with reports from the parents.

At the end of the research, the parents completed a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of changes in five ADHD-related symptoms in their children from the beginning to the end of the study. There were positive and statistically significant improvements in the five areas measured:
a) ability to focus on schoolwork
b) organizational abilities
c) ability to work independently
d) happiness
e) quality of sleep.

Promising Results

The combined results were significant. There was a 48% reduction in the theta/beta power ratios and a 30% increase in brain coherence after the 6-month period. Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals decrease theta/beta power ratios by 3%, and neurofeedback by 25%.

''These are very encouraging findings,'' said co-researcher William Stixrud, PhD, a prominent Silver Spring, Maryland, clinical neuropsychologist. ''Significant improvement in the theta/beta ratio without medication and without having to use any expensive equipment is a big deal, as is significant improvement in student happiness and student academic functioning reported by the parents.''

''While stimulant medication is very beneficial for some of my clients with ADHD,'' Stixrud added, ''the number of children who receive great benefit from medicine with minimal side-effects is relatively small. The fact that TM appears to improve attention and executive functions, and significantly reduces stress with no negative side-effects, is clearly very promising.'' Stixrud said he hoped these findings would lead to more research on the use of TM with children and adolescents.

In conclusion, these findings warrant additional research to assess the impact of Transcendental Meditation practice as a non-drug treatment for ADHD, and to track meditating students' improved academic achievements.

Contact: Ken Chawkin
kchawkin@mum.edu
Tel: +1 641-470-1314
Maharishi University of Management

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The study was funded by a grant from the David Lynch Foundation.

Global Good News will continue to feature the new study in the coming days, including widespread press reports and fact sheets about the Transcendental Meditation technique and ADHD.

© Copyright 2011 Global Good News^®

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