Music is found to have several benefits for human minds. It can get us motivated, stir up intense emotions, or help us quit the pointless worrying about the world and get us relaxed. For some, it can even help them focus more on the tasks at hand. But do you know that there are several benefits of music therapy for ADHD?
People with ADHD face considerable challenges when it comes to concentration and focus. And music therapy can be a way to aid their attention span. In fact, it can help with various other symptoms of ADHD, including sleep schedule, keeping track of time, and much more.
ADHD is a challenging disorder. At times it can feel like a superpower when you are hyper-focusing on a certain task. On the other hand, it can feel like an annoying sibling who won’t leave you alone and concentrate on your tasks. To help you deal with your situation and to strengthen your concentration powers, here’s a breakdown of the benefits of music therapy for ADHD.
A breakdown of the benefits of music therapy for ADHD
According to a study published in Frontiers on the benefits of music therapy for ADHD, music seems to have a prominent positive effect in promoting focus and attentiveness in children with ADHD. During the course of the study, children listened to 30 minutes of interactive music followed by 30 minutes of an interactive video game. Results showed that while the video game initiated no positive response, music improved attention spans in children.
Research by William E Pelham Jr on 41 boys with ADHD found substantial evidence suggesting improvement in the classroom performance of the boys when they listened to music while studying.
Additionally, music therapy also reduced hyperactivity and aided social skills in children. Moreover, since many people with ADHD have trouble keeping track of duration and time, music can also positively impact their performances in these areas.
Now that science approves the benefits of music therapy for ADHD, let’s find out what type of music is beneficial and what isn’t.
Read more: The Perfect Mental Health Playlist
What type of music can help people with ADHD?
Given the unending genres and types of music, the kind of music that helps one focus is a highly individualistic choice.
With that being said, medium-tempo, soothing music with simple tunes is essentially beneficial for ADHD. You can consider trying classical composers, including:
- Bach,
- Mozart,
- Handel,
- Vivaldi, and many more.
White noise might also be beneficial for people with ADHD. White noise is the continuous background noise caused by objects like a fan or a machine, etc. While sudden loud sounds might deflect attention and defeat the purpose, constant sounds might have a positive impact. Binaural beats are another form that can help you reap maximum benefits. A binaural beat is when you listen to a certain sound on two different but related frequencies in both your ears.
What shouldn’t you listen to?
While music therapy can be a good tool to aid productivity and focus for people with ADHD, not all kinds of music are beneficial.
If you have been trying to enhance your focus and concentration, avoid listening to music that:
- does not have a clear rhythm,
- is loud and heavy,
- is fast-paced, and
- you really like or really dislike (since thinking about your love or hatred for the song can be counterproductive).
Read more: Mental Health And Music Therapy
Conclusion:
There are several benefits of music therapy for ADHD, including an increase in attention span and concentration, social skills, and time management. However, not everyone might enjoy these benefits, as several meta-analyses show that music can only have minimal effects.
Besides music therapy, therapy can also be a powerful tool for people with ADHD. Access to therapy has become easier with the advent of online therapy platforms. To find out about the most affordable and convenient online therapy platforms, click here.
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