Department of Psychiatry, Arganda del Rey MHC, General Universitary Hospital del Sureste, Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain
Received: June 25, 2025;
Published: August 07, 2025
Background: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects adolescents and, less frequently, adults. Mind-wandering (MW) is a transdiagnostic construct commonly observed in individuals with (ADHD). Although it is not included in diagnostic classifications, it has a functional impact on patients with ADHD.
Aim of the Study: To provide a detailed analysis of the differences in the effects of ADHD after six months of pharmacologic treatment versus treatment as usual, focusing on MW, quality of life, and personality dimensions. It is hypothesized that MW decreases with treatment, and that certain personality dimensions may also change as a result of the intervention.
Methods: First, a review of studies on MW indexed in PubMed is conducted. Subsequently, two groups of individuals with ADHD-those receiving pharmacological treatment and those receiving treatment as usual-are compared. The analysis focuses on differences in quality of life, MW and personality dimensions after six months.
Result: Significant differences were observed between the treatment and non-treatment ADHD groups in terms of quality of life, particularly regarding life productivity. Both groups showed a decrease in MEWS (Mind Excessively Wandering Scale) scores after six months, although the reduction was more pronounced in the treatment group. Openness to experience showed a positive correlation with scores on the MEWS. Conversely, conscientiousness showed a negative correlation with MEWS. Additionally, a predominance of hyperactivity was associated with higher levels of extraversion. Interestingly, a negative ADHD diagnosis was linked to increased agreeableness scores, highlighting potential personality differences based on diagnostic status.
Conclusion: Patients with ADHD who receive stimulant treatment show improvements in quality of life and reductions in MW, as well as some changes in personality dimensions when compared to those receiving treatment as usual. These findings underscore the important role that MW plays in ADHD, both as a clinically relevant symptom and as a potential treatment target.
Keywords: ADHD; Mind-Wandering; Personality Dimensions; Quality of Life