Healing Minds: Biofeedback and Breathing Practices in Children and Adolescents With ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 2.8% of adults and 5.9% of youth worldwide, and is more prevalent in males compared to females. There are both genetic and environmental risks for developing ADHD. As such, the condition is an epigenetic disorder with a complex pathophysiology that includes numerous biological pathways. Numerous co-morbidities are associated with ADHD including obesity, asthma, diabetes mellitus, and somatic disorders. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to attempt and complete a suicide attempt. Chronic illnesses associated with ADHD are shown to develop early in life and track into adulthood. Thus, ADHD is a significant public health issue. The Healing Minds intervention will be implemented by a trained and certified pediatrician, health care or research staff member to children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The proposed study will determine if the intervention is safe and effective compared to a placebo condition. The Healing Minds intervention includes a biofeedback component and breathing practices. Biofeedback is a type of mind-body technique used to control body functions such as heart, lung and muscle responses. Biofeedback uses therapeutic techniques that aim to help study participants gain more awareness and control over certain physiological functions in their bodies. It involves the use of electronic monitoring equipment to provide real-time information about physiological processes such as heart rate, heart rate variability and muscle tension. This information is then provided back to the study participant, allowing participants to learn how to consciously regulate these processes. During the sessions parents are expected to attend and participate. Study participants and parents will have access to a video that provides instructions for placement of the Heart Math single small ear lobe or finger sensor. Breathing Practices include alternate nostril, qi gong and other breathing practices. Biofeedback and breathing practices will be employed to help the study participants to: 1) Improve attention and focus by training the participants to regulate brainwave patterns and improve concentration, 2) Develop emotional regulation skills, helping study participants become more resilient in the face of stressors, 3) Control physiological responses can contribute to overall emotional well-being.

Inclusion criteria

• 6-18 years
• Male and female children and adolescents
• Confirmed diagnosis of ADHD using the DSM-5-TR criteria

Exclusion criteria

• Severe, uncontrolled mental illness including depression, panic disorders
• Suicidal ideology
• Psychosis
• Severe, uncontrolled, autonomic nervous system or metabolic disorders including hypertension, diabetes, hypotension, autoimmune disease, or any condition that would limit their participation in the intervention
• Disorders involving severe impairments of memory or neurological conditions such as seizures
• Pregnant or nursing females may not participate because of some of the tests that are required for the study.