Evidence suggests that it can help people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to improve focus and general well-being.
Music can improve emotional regulation, self-development, and relaxation,but that’s not all.
Other kinds of music with consistent and repetitive rhythm patterns, like electronic music, may also be helpful.
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One thing that might help you hone your attention: music!
However, not all types of music have the same effect.
Experiment to find what works best for you!
Benefits of ADHD Music
Many people with ADHD typically have dopamine deficits.
That means they need dopamine to get work done.
Music can provide that much-needed hit of dopamine so they can focus their attention and get things done.
The nucleus accumbens can be thought of as the brain’s control center between motivation and action.
Music may also help improve mood in people with ADHD.
Research shows that music significantly reduced sadness and hopelessness.
(The good news: it also helped people who dont have ADHD!)
It has also been found that keeping a stable rhythmand musical beat can be calming.
This allows the attention to be better directed towards the early-selection stimuli.
In people without ADHD, however, there is no need to redirect that late-selection attention.
In fact, this may actually create a distraction for them, diverting resources from the earlier-selection stimuli.
While many people prefer to listen to music without words to focus, it may work for others.
For others, listening to music you’ve already heard before can be more easily tuned out.
Listen to thismusic style on YouTube.
Mozart, in particular, has been proven to help.
Many playlists exist specifically meant for studying or working.
And maybe you notice different things are helpful for different situations, says Barkholtz.
You might even want to listen to house music.
Just choose whichever genre feels right for you.
it’s possible for you to also try switching back and forth between genres.
If you find that you’re still having difficulty concentrating, reach out to amental health professional.
Schafer T, Sedlmeier P, Stadtler C, Huron D.The psychological functions of music listening.Front Psychol.
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2023;25:e37742.
