| In our society, an increasing number of children | | | | Several studies had already shown that TM is |
| are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit | | | | uniquely effective against stress, in reducing |
| Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and nearly 2.3 | | | | anxiety and improving cognitive functioning, but |
| million of them are currently taking medication to | | | | the new study shows that the same results |
| control the disorder. I am a parent and am related | | | | occur when children with ADHD practice the |
| to a child with the ADHD, and have been very | | | | technique. Moreover, these children, who generally |
| concerned about the possible side effect that the | | | | suffer from an inability to focus, are able to |
| medication can produce, since I know that some | | | | practice TM ( a technique not requiring any mental |
| of it can be very harmful. I was therefore very | | | | effort or concentration) with no difficulty. Sarina J. |
| excited to hear of a new study, recently brought | | | | Grosswald, Ed.D, lead researcher in the study said |
| to light, that showed how a simple, effortless | | | | that for that reason "this technique may be |
| technique know as Transcendental Meditation can | | | | particularly well suited for children with ADHD". |
| treat ADHD in a safe and non pharmacological | | | | Researchers said that the encouraging results |
| way. | | | | "exceeded their expectation". Personally, as a |
| The study was published in the journal Current | | | | parent with young children I am thrilled. I have |
| Issues in Education, and related that children who | | | | been very concerned about the liberal way we |
| learned Transcendental Meditation showed over | | | | dole out prescription medication to our children. |
| 50 percent reduction in stress and anxiety, | | | | Until recently we did not medicate our children to |
| improvements in ADHD symptoms, as well as | | | | such a high degree so the consequences on our |
| positive changes in brain patterns, after only three | | | | upcoming generation are yet to be seen. But |
| months of practice. After six months, | | | | Transcendental Meditation, a simple effortless |
| measurement of the children's brain patterns | | | | technique that is practiced just 10-20 minutes |
| associated with distractibility, previously very high, | | | | twice a day offers a safe solution. |
| moved into the normal range. | | | | |