Introduction
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This disorder impacts cognitive and perceptual domains, including musical perception and performance. Music is often used as a stimulation and regulation tool for individuals with ADHD, and music-based therapies have been investigated as potential interventions. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the effects of ADHD on musical perception and explore the impact of music as a therapeutic intervention.
Methods
Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science and PsychInfo databases. Twenty studies published between 1981 and 2023 were included, totaling 1170 participants, 830 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD. Inclusion criteria included original articles that explored the interaction between ADHD and music, while studies that did not report clinical outcomes or were not directly related to the topic were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute.
Results
The findings were organized into three main areas:
Musical processing and performance in individuals with ADHD: Studies have revealed deficits in musical tasks related to rhythm and time perception. Individuals with ADHD have shown difficulties in synchronizing with rhythm and processing complex auditory information. However, these deficits did not extend to rhythmic improvisation and musical expression, suggesting that creative abilities may be preserved.
Effects of music listening: Listening to music has been shown to have positive effects on areas such as sustained attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. Calm music was particularly effective in improving reading comprehension and autonomic regulation in children with ADHD, while music with faster tempos or lyrics had variable effects depending on the level of difficulty of the task.
Music-based therapeutic interventions: Music therapies have been associated with significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity, as well as improvements in quality of life and emotional regulation. Interventions that combine music and other methods, such as yoga or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), have been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone.
Discussion
Despite the promising results, the heterogeneity between studies limits the generalizability of the conclusions. Variables such as medication use, comorbidities and gender influenced the results, highlighting the need for more rigorous future studies with standardized samples.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive synthesis on the interaction between ADHD and music, identifying the therapeutic potential of music to mitigate ADHD symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Further investigation is essential to validate and expand these findings, promoting the integration of music as a complementary approach in the management of ADHD.
Reference :
Saville, P., Kinney, C., Heiderscheit, A., & Himmerich, H. (2025). Exploring the Intersection of ADHD and Music: A Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences, 15(1), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010065
