Writing assignments have always been a challenge for my attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) son. To make them easier for him to complete, he will often choose a topic that interests him: his ADHD (he is very open about discussing it.) or anything space-related (it’s a good thing he attends an aeronautical university.).
My son recently had an essay assignment for his college music appreciation class. He chose to write about a relatively new genre of music called lo-fi, with its simplistic, instrumental, often grainy, repetitive beats that help my son to stay focused.
Most of us have a favorite song to which we know all the words or a music genre that helps us get motivated, relax, or concentrate. For those with ADHD, listening to music can be the difference between success and failure.
Abnormal levels of a chemical in the brain called dopamine are thought to contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Dopamine’s action in the brain can affect attention and is involved in novelty-seeking and risk-taking. Increasing dopamine levels in certain areas of the brain, like the striatum, can help alleviate the inattention associated with ADHD.
In fact, listening to music has been shown to increase dopamine in the striatum, enabling those with ADHD to stay focused on a task. In addition, music has also been found to improve mood, academic and social skills, and to reduce impulsivity in those with ADHD.
Not only is music beneficial for mediating ADHD symptomology, but having a creative,........