Impact of Natural Products and Mindfulness Practices on Serum Serotonin Levels, Clinical Symptoms, and Mindfulness in Adolescents with ADHD Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and impaired attention (inattention). Pharmacological treatments are often effective but have limitations, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapies. Interventions based on mindfulness (MBIs) have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of ADHD, but their effects on clinical symptoms, serotonin levels, and mindfulness in adolescents have not been thoroughly studied in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the improvement of clinical symptoms, changes in serum serotonin levels, and mindfulness levels in adolescents with ADHD symptoms. Methods: A true-experimental design with a randomized controlled trial was employed. ADHD symptoms were screened using the Abbreviated Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale (ACTRS) among adolescent students in grades 7 through 9 of junior high school (n = 1067). After meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study included 28 adolescents aged 12–16 years diagnosed with ADHD, divided into treatment (mindfulness) and control groups. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the SPPAHI questionnaire, mindfulness levels were measured with the CAMM scale, and serum serotonin levels were analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The mindfulness group demonstrated notable reductions in clinical symptoms and mindfulness levels in comparison to the control group. There was no notable difference in serum serotonin levels between the two groups. Conclusions: MBIs effectively reduced ADHD symptoms and increased mindfulness levels in adolescents. No substantial changes were observed in serotonin levels, indicating that mindfulness impacts behavioral and cognitive aspects more than biochemical markers. These findings suggest that mindfulness may be a valuable complementary therapy for ADHD management in adolescents.