Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (formerly known as attention deficit disorder) is a neurobehavioral disorder that can affect an individual's ability to concentrate and manage hyperactivity. ADHD is primarily diagnosed in children, and the most common symptom experienced by these children is educational underachievement in school. A vast amount of research has been conducted on ADHD, its symptoms, and its treatments to support children and adults experiencing this condition.
Clinicians and researchers periodically test and accept new treatments for ADHD, and the approach to ADHD management has changed significantly over time. In the past, pharmacological treatments (medications) were the only recommended path to treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Today, various methods are available to help manage ADHD's effects on focus, attention, and inhibition. One of these methods, music therapy, has shown promise in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in both children and adults.
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. "Neurobehavioral" refers to the relationship between a person's actions and the function of their brain. The symptoms of ADHD are not due to a lack of willpower, an unwillingness to learn, or a disregard for the rules of society. There are legitimate neurochemical and structural differences in the brains of those diagnosed with ADHD.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
While ADHD symptoms can vary in type and severity from person to person, there are standard features in all who receive the diagnosis. Research also shows that ADHD can affect self esteem. Each person diagnosed with ADHD, whether diagnosed in an early stage, as a child or later, as an adult, must have demonstrated several or all of the symptoms of ADHD before the age of 16.
Many people with ADHD are characterized by one of three diagnostic types: predominantly hyperactive, predominantly inattention, and combined. Although previously a diagnostic label, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no longer a diagnosis and may instead fit the criteria of ADHD-PI listed below.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
Children or adults diagnosed with ADHD-HI show more symptoms of hyperactivity than inattention. A person with ADHD-HI may fidget, struggle to remain in their seat, blurt out answers before questions are finished, or struggle to wait. This person may also experience difficulty with focus and attention, but hyperactivity and impulsivity are more severe than attentional issues in this form of ADHD.
Predominantly inattentive presentation
Those diagnosed with ADHD-PI showcase more symptoms related to inattention than hyperactivity. These may include trouble focusing on a task without a clear beginning and end, difficulty following through on instructions, frequently losing necessary items, and trouble listening to others, which can translate to social skills. Those with ADHD-PI may have some signs of hyperactivity, but a short attention span is a more significant concern.
Combined presentation
Those diagnosed with ADHD combined type have hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattentive symptoms. Behaviors from ADHD-PI and ADHD-HI categories can be present, and their severity may be around the same.
What causes ADHD?
Research has demonstrated that genetic factors can play a prominent role in ADHD. In addition, low birth weight, a brain injury in childhood, substance use during pregnancy, or exposure to other environmental risks may play a role.
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Evidence does not support many commonly held beliefs about the cause of ADHD. Researchers are assured that ADHD is not caused by eating sugar, excessive screen time, or environmental factors like family instability. While these factors may worsen the symptoms of ADHD, there is no evidence that they are the leading cause.
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How is it treated?
The treatment of ADHD symptoms may be split into two categories: pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Pharmacological treatments rely on medications to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Non-pharmacological treatments include non-medication treatments like behavioral therapy or counseling. Note that ADHD is a form of neurodivergence. While there is not a “cure” for ADHD, treatments may benefit those experiencing distressing impacts or symptoms.
Pharmaceutical treatments
The most common pharmacological treatments for ADHD include a group of medications called stimulants. Stimulants increase the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, potentially mitigating ADHD symptoms. If you're considering medication for you or your child, talk to your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing your medication plan.
Non-pharmacological treatments
Non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD are varied. Typical treatments in this category include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), outpatient support, parent training, and other forms of structured psychotherapy, including music therapy. Research suggests a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches may be the most beneficial.
ADHD music therapy
Music therapy is an empirically supported therapeutic technique that has demonstrated positive results in managing mental health and brain function in those with ADHD, likely because it is effective at activating serotonin. Further, the symptoms that ADHD kids live with make them experience more stress and anxiety than kids without ADHD. Music therapy for stress reduction can soothe the stress they feel.
How does a music therapy session work?
Emotional, physical, and mental connections to music can be made in the presence of ADHD or other neurological conditions. Music therapy may tap into the complex relationship between the human brain and music, and auditory stimulation can help to address mental and physical concerns. It is a form of psychotherapy and includes a systematic intervention process that starts when music enters the ear.
Musical therapy techniques come in many forms. The most prominent can include:
Improvisation
Listening to music, including binaural beats
Re-creating music
Writing songs
Verbalizing the musical experience
Techniques can be active or receptive. Active methods may involve the creation of music in some way, such as writing songs or instrument playing. Receptive techniques involve listening to music.
A music therapy session can rely on musical creation, listening to healing music, or learning about music. While listening to one song can elicit a positive emotional response and enhance focus, the most significant effects of music therapy may come from the music creation process.
Music therapy is designed to evoke a response of alertness, increase relaxation, increase focus, make it easier to fall asleep, and increase self-confidence, and may help with improving stress coping ability. A recent analysis looked at randomized controlled study results and determined that music in the form of video games also helps with working memory in people with ADHD.
Current evidence suggests that music therapy can produce positive effects by providing a safe and socially acceptable form of communication for expressing feelings and solving problems. Different styles of music, from rock to relaxing music, have benefits depending on what the individual is trying to accomplish. For example, rock music may help with motor activity, while repetitive, relaxing music may be beneficial when drawing or attempting to maintain a calm mood.
Research into musical education and music therapy has revealed that children with ADHD are often symptom-free while actively engaging in music-making. While not fully understood, researchers generally agree that there are components of music-making and creativity that stimulate the mind and are not affected by ADHD. Leveraging those components can be a crucial part of music therapy and may help develop motivation in other areas.
Researchers are still exploring how exactly music therapy helps those with ADHD, but the body of evidence for its effectiveness continues to increase. Music therapy may benefit the comorbidities of ADHD as well, such as learning disorders, depression, and adjustment disorders. Like many non-pharmacological treatments, music therapy may help those diagnosed with the condition better manage the challenges associated with ADHD. It is not a treatment to rid an individual of their neurodivergence.
Counseling options
Many types of therapy are available to support children, teens, and adults with ADHD. However, some families or individuals may face barriers to treatment with a professional in their area, such as cost, location, or background. If you're looking for an expert in ADHD and music therapy, consider online therapy.
If you're an adult with ADHD, you may have experienced difficulty with managing your time and tasks throughout the day. Online therapy can lower some of the barriers to getting care and make it easier for many to attend and schedule appointments. If you're the parent of a child with ADHD, online therapy may allow you extra time to care for your child. Therapy sessions may be scheduled with a frequency that fits your schedule and needs.
Many effective therapeutic techniques in office settings, including music therapy, are also effective online, offering you the chance to partake in empirically supported therapy techniques during your therapy session without leaving your home. If you're interested in getting started or working with a music therapist, consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp, which allows you to connect with licensed professionals specializing in various areas, including ADHD and its treatments.
Takeaway
The body of evidence supporting ADHD music therapy's effectiveness as an alternative effective treatment continues to grow, and it can be a unique tool for managing the core symptoms of ADHD in adults, children and adolescents. Research suggests that music therapy can aid a person in managing the socioemotional effects and comorbidities of ADHD.
If you're interested in learning more about music therapy or other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD or other mental health conditions, consider reaching out to a therapist for compassionate guidance and support or information about resources where you can learn more, like a free newsletter or pamphlet.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
What does music therapy do?
Music therapy uses music to help people process emotions, reduce stress, accomplish goals, and improve quality of life. Music therapists can be helpful for a range of mental and physical conditions, and it is often used in combination with other treatment approaches, such as talk therapy and medication.
What are the 4 types of music therapy?
According to the American Music Therapy Association, the four broad types of music therapy are:
Receptive: The therapist plays music for the client, and the client responds with their own music, words, dance, or other responses.
Re-creative: In this type of therapy, the client recreates the music played by their music therapist.
Improvisation: The client improves, creating music spontaneously. The therapist can use the tone of music and lyrics to assess mood.
Compositional: In this type of music therapy, the client and therapist work together to compose music.
The benefits of music therapy can be maximized by using the most beneficial type of therapy to help their client achieve their goals. The approach may change and adapt as the client and therapist work together.
How does music help your mental health?
Music can have a positive impact on your mental health by:
Reducing stress
Enhancing focus
Increasing motivation
Elevating mood
Improving memory and processing speed
Boosting exercise performance
The type of music you listen to can have different effects. For example, calming music can help you relax and de-stress, whereas upbeat music can elevate heart rate and improve athletic performance.
What are the five elements of music therapy?
The five elements of music therapy are rooted in the five elements:
Wood (tone: Jue)
Fire (tone: Zhi)
Earth (tone: Gong)
Metal (tone: Shang)
Water (tone: Yu)
The concept of music therapy rooted in the five elements proposes that these five tones are associated with certain emotions and organs in the body. While it’s not clear why it works, research has found that five-element music therapy can have positive effects on sleep quality, depression, and quality of life.
What is the goal of a music therapist?
A board-certified music therapist helps clients achieve their goals through the use of music. According to the American Music Therapy Association, goals are individualized for the person receiving therapy. For example, music therapy can help clients improve their motor skills, manage stress, reduce pain, process trauma, and improve communication skills.
What music is used for music therapy?
The therapy music used depends on the personal preferences and needs of the client. For example, music therapists may use classical, rock, gospel, jazz, or pop music. The client is typically asked about their music preferences, and the songs selected will meet their ability level.
What are the basics of music therapy?
At its most basic level, music therapy is a type of therapy aimed at improving clients' mental and/or physical health and well-being. During therapy sessions, clients may listen to music, play an instrument, sing, compose music, or dance to music. Amongst other things, music therapy can help with:
Depression
Stress or anxiety
Physical pain
Traumatic events
Communication and social skills
Motor skills
Mood
Why is music a form of therapy?
Music can be a form of therapy, helping people relax, express themselves, process their emotions, and alleviate stress. The evidence-based social, physical, and mental health benefits of music therapy have been repeatedly supported in peer-reviewed research.
What is considered music therapy?
Music therapy is a type of therapy conducted by a certified music therapist. Music therapy can incorporate music in a variety of ways, such as playing music, listening to music, composing music, singing, or dancing to music.
Can music relieve stress?
Music therapy may have an impact on mood. Research has found that the specific impact of music depends on the musical genre, who selects the music, musical tempo, and individual factors. Picking calming music, for example, may lower heart rate, cortisol levels, and subjective stress levels. However, research results are mixed.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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