Skip to main content

Enhancing Self-Regulatory Skills in ADHD Through Music

  • 1415 Accesses

Abstract

Music can play a role in the treatment of children and teens with ADHD since it provides patients a self-regulatory system, which enables them to manage the internal time according to variations in the external time and to synchronize behavior with external stimuli. Thanks to these mechanisms the individuals get control over their impulsive tendencies and can plan their behavior according to the goals they set. This chapter presents a review of the relevant literature about the effects of musical interventions in ADHD. Some studies aimed at improving self-control in people with ADHD employing music intervention programs (consisting of either individual or small-group sessions), as well as some activities included in such programs, are also described.

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • Music
  • Music therapy
  • Self-regulation
  • Impulse control

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Barkley, R. A. (1997a). ADHD and the nature of self-control. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A. (1997b). Behavioural inhibition, sustained attention and executive functions: Constructing a unifying theory of ADHD. Psychological Bulletin, 121, 65–94.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Bertoni, S., Cancer, A., Zugno, E., Zanaboni, C., Allevi, M., & Antonietti, A. (2014). Training musicale per bambini con disturb da deficit di attenzione e iperattività (ADHD): l’efficacia di un intervento in piccolo gruppo [Musical training for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The efficacy of a small-group intervention]. Abilitazione e Riabilitazione, 23(2), 37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borghesi, M., et al. (1995). Linee generali del trattamento musicoterapico di un caso di “Sindrome del Bambino Ipercinetico” [Outline of the music-therapy treatment of a case of “Syndrome of Hyperkinetic Child”]. Musica & Terapia, 3, 27–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckner, R. L., & Carroll, D. C. (2007). Self-projection and the brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 11, 49–57.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Caffo, & Camerini. (1991). Clinica della psicomotricità e del rilassamento. Dall’osservazione all’intervento nei disturbi dello sviluppo in età evolutiva [Clinical approach to psycomotricty and relaxation. From observation to intervention in developmental disorders]. Milan: Guerini Studio.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castellanos, F. X., Margulies, D. S., Kelly, C., Uddin, L. Q., Ghaffari, M., & Kirsch, A. (2008). Cingulate-precuneus interactions: A new locus of dysfunction in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 63, 332–337.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cripe, F. F. (1986). Rock music as therapy for children with attention deficit disorder: An exploratory study. Journal of Music Therapy, 23, 30–37.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, V. I. (1983). Attentional and cognitive problems. In M. Rutter (Ed.), Developmental neuropsychiatry (pp. 280–328). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, M. A., Shaywitz, S. E., Shaywitz, B. A., & Woolston, J. L. (1991). The boundaries of attention deficit disorder. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 24, 78–86.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Fabio, R. A. (2001). L’attenzione. Fisiologia, patologie e interventi riabilitativi [Attention. Physiology, pathology, and rehabilitation interventions]. Milano: Franco Angeli.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fassbender, C., Hester, R., Murphy, K., Foxe, J. J., Foxe, D. M., & Garavan, H. (2009). Prefrontal and midline interactions mediating behavioural control. European Journal of Neurosciences, 29, 181–187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goschke, T. (2000). Involuntary persistence and intentional reconfiguration in task-set switching. In S. Monsell & J. Driver (Eds.), Control of cognitive processes (pp. 331–355). Boston: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasenkamp, W., Wilson-Mendenhall, C. D., Duncan, E., & Barsalou, L. W. (2012). Mind wandering and attention during focused meditation: A fine-grained temporal analysis of fluctuating cognitive states. Neuroimage, 59, 750–760.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Hsu, C. F., Benikos, N., & Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S. (2015). Spontaneous activity in the waiting brain: A marker of impulsive choice in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 12, 114–122.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, N. A. (2003). A survey of music therapy methods and their role in the treatment of early elementary school children with ADHD. Journal of Music Therapy, 40, 302–323.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Levin, H. S., Eisenberg, H. M., & Benton, A. L. (1991). Frontal lobe function and dysfunction. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miyake, A., & Friedman, N. P. (2012). The nature and organization of individual differences in executive functions: Four general conclusions. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 21, 8–14.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Montello, L., & Coons, E. E. (1996). Effects of active versus passive group music therapy on preadolescents with emotional, learning and behavioural disorders. Journal of Music Therapy, 35, 49–67.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, P. (2009). Confronting ADHD in the music classroom. Teaching Music, 17(1), 57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, R., & Mathenius, L. (1987). The effects of modeling, reinforcement, and tempo on imitative rhythmic responses of moderately retarded adolescents. Journal of Music Therapy, 24, 160–169.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Morton, L. L., Kershner, J. R., & Siegel, L. S. (1990). The potential for therapeutic applications of music on problems related to memory and attention. Journal of Music Therapy, 27, 195–206.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Pennington, B. F., & Ozonoff, S. (1996). Executive functions and developmental psychopathology. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 37, 51–87.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Plude, D. B. (1995). New technology: A biological understanding of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and its treatment. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1, 1–3.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, R. R., Abel, H. H., & Skidmore, J. (1995). The effects of neurofeedback training with background music on EEG patterns of ADD and ADHD children. International Journal of Arts Medicine, 4, 24–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rickson, D. J. (2006). Instructional and improvisational models of music therapy with adolescents who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A comparison of the effects on motor impulsivity. Journal of Music Therapy, 43, 39–62.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Rubia, K., Noorloos, J., et al. (2003). Motor timing deficits in community and clinical boys with hyperactive behaviour. The effect of methylphenidate on motor timing. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 31, 301–313.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sagvolden, T., Johansen, E. B., Aase, H., & Russell, V. A. (2005). A dynamic developmental theory of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and combined subtypes. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 28, 397–419.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sechi, E., Corcelli, A., & Vasquez, P. (1998). Difficoltà esecutive e problemi di programmazione prassica dei bambini con Disturbi da Deficit dell’Attenzione con Iperattività [Executive dysfunctions and praxic planning deficits in children with ADHD]. Psichiatria dell’Infanzia e dell’Adolescenza, 65, 187–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shallice, T. (1988). From neuropsychology to mental structure. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Shallice, T., Marzocchi, G. M., Coser, S., Del Savio, M., Meuter, R. F., & Rumiati, R. I. (2002). Executive function profile of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Developmental Neuropsychology, 21(1), 43–71.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sjowall, D., Roth, L., Lindqvist, S., & Thorell, L. B. (2013). Multiple deficits in ADHD: Executive dysfunction, delay aversion, reaction time variability, and emotional deficits. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54, 619–627.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A., et al. (2002). Evidence for a pure time perception deficit in children with ADHD. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 529–542.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S., & Castellano, F. X. (2006). Spontaneous attentional fluctuations in impaired states and pathological conditions: A neurobiological hypothesis. Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews, 31, 977–986.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Stanford, L. D., & Hynd, G. E. (1994). Congruence of behavioral symptomatology in children with ADD/H, ADD/WO and learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 27, 243–253.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, C. V. (1976). The use of rock music as a reward in behavior therapy with children. Journal of Music Therapy, 13, 39–48.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Zugno, E. (2010a). La musica nel Disturbo da Deficit dell’Attenzione e Iperattività (ADHD) [Music and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]. In A. Antonietti & B. Colombo (Eds.), Musica che educa, musica che cura [Educating music, healing music] (pp. 193–217). Roma: Aracne.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zugno, E. (2010b). Musicoterapia e disturbo da deficit dell’attenzione e iperattività (ADHD): Un incontro possibile? [Music therapy and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A possible match?] Disturbi di Attenzione e Iperattività, 5, 199–212.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alessandro Antonietti .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Antonietti, A., Colombo, B., DeRocher, B.R. (2018). Enhancing Self-Regulatory Skills in ADHD Through Music. In: Music Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97151-3_2

Download citation