Mind Wandering (Internal Distractibility) in ADHD: A Literature Review

Summary & key facts

This literature review searched PubMed, PsycINFO/OVID, and Medline for original English studies that defined both ADHD and mind wandering and used statistical tests. Only nine studies met the rules (eight in adults and one in children). The studies suggest that people with ADHD commonly experience spontaneous mind wandering and that when mind wandering is present it is linked to greater functional problems. The authors note the research is still limited and needs more study.

Key facts:

• The review searched three databases: PubMed, PsycINFO/OVID, and Medline for relevant studies.
• Included studies had to be original articles in English that gave clear definitions of ADHD and mind wandering, had adequate sample size, and used statistical evaluation.
• The review excluded reviews, opinion pieces, and case reports.
• Only nine studies met the authors' inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Of the nine included studies, eight were conducted in adults and one was conducted in pediatrics (children).
• The findings across those studies suggest ADHD is frequently associated with spontaneous mind wandering (unintended shifts of attention away from a task).
• When mind wandering was present in people with ADHD, it was reported to be associated with more functional impairments according to the included studies.
• The authors conclude that the current research on mind wandering in ADHD is limited and that further research is needed.

Abstract

Objective: Mind wandering, the unintended shifting of attention from a task, has been previously associated with symptoms of ADHD. To this end, we conducted a literature search to investigate the association between mind wandering and ADHD. Method: We conducted a systematic search of the literature of relevant articles assessing mind wandering and ADHD in PubMed, PsycINFO/OVID, and Medline. Included were original articles in English that had operationalized definitions of ADHD and mind wandering, adequate sample size, and reliance on statistical evaluation of findings. Excluded were reviews, opinions, and case reports. Results: Only nine studies met our a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria (N = 8 in adults; N = 1 in pediatrics). Findings suggest that ADHD is frequently associated with spontaneous mind wandering and when present heralds more functional impairments. Conclusion: The limited research on mind wandering in ADHD indicates that it is prevalent and morbid supporting further research on the subject.

Topics

Mind wandering and attention Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies Sleep and Wakefulness Research

Categories

Cognitive Neuroscience Life Sciences Neuroscience

Tags

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Clinical psychology Cognition Developmental psychology Epistemology Law MEDLINE Mind-wandering Operationalization Philosophy Political science Psychiatry Psychology PsycINFO