Functional MRI of Relaxation Response Training in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Functional MRI of an Open Trial of Relaxation Response Training in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This research study is being done to examine how meditation and the relaxation response (RR) may change brain activity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female adults (ages 18 - 49).
2. Patients with the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), by the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), as manifested in clinical evaluation and confirmed by structured interview.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any current, non-ADHD Axis I psychiatric conditions
2. Baseline Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) > 19.
3. Any clinically significant chronic medical condition.
4. Mental retardation
5. Organic brain disorders
6. Seizures or tics.
7. Pregnant or nursing females.
8. Clinically unstable psychiatric conditions (suicidal behaviors, psychosis).
9. Current or recent (within the past 2 years) substance abuse or dependence.
10. Patients currently or recently (within past 1 month) on psychotropic medication.
11. Subjects with current or prior adequate psychopharmacologic treatment for ADHD.
12. Regular practice of an Relaxation Response-inducing technique within the past year
13. History of claustrophobia or any of the standard contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning(metal objects within body).