Meditation and ADHD

Meditation, mindfulness and relaxation: these practices are often recommended to people with ADHD to help them concentrate better and calm down. Can they really help? Here is what you need to know, particularly regarding the position of the HAS. Better understanding these practices helps you know what can realistically be expected from them.

What is it about

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment, on one’s breathing or sensations, without judgement. Relaxation aims to relax both body and mind. These practices are very popular and easy to access. They are often presented as a natural solution.

We explore this point further in ADHD and anxiety.

The HAS position

In its 2024 recommendations on ADHD in children and adolescents, the HAS does not recommend mindfulness-based programmes as an intervention for ADHD. It favours interventions whose effectiveness has been better demonstrated. It is important to know this before investing time or money.

This topic is covered in our page ADHD treatment in children.

A moment of relaxation

This does not prevent using relaxation or breathing as a moment of calm, for example before going to sleep or after a busy day. However, these practices do not replace the recommended support. These moments can help a child settle down, without claiming to treat ADHD. They should remain enjoyable.

You will find more details in the article ADHD and bedtime.

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The difficulties

Staying still and focused is precisely what is difficult for a person with ADHD. Very short sessions, involving movement or guidance, are often more accessible. Apps or recordings adapted for children can make the exercise easier.

Our article ADHD and restlessness in class complements this advice.

For managing emotions

Learning to breathe in order to calm down can help a child pause before reacting. This technique is also used in CBT. This simple technique can be useful before a test or after an argument.

To go further, see ADHD and meltdowns.

For adults

Some adults with ADHD find in meditation a way to better manage their stress. The data remains limited: talk to your doctor about it. It can be added to support, without replacing it.

The article Managing ADHD in adults looks at this question in detail.

What to remember

Meditation can be a pleasant complement, but it does not replace psychoeducation, parent guidance, adjustments or treatment if needed. If in doubt, ask the doctor who follows the child.

This point is explained step by step in Parent guidance and ADHD.