Music Therapy as a Complementary Approach for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: A Perspective

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that is present across at least two settings. ADHD treatment includes pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions; among the latter, music therapy (MT) has gained interest for its potential cognitive and emotional benefits. Music evokes and modulates mood and emotion, and music-based interventions (active production and receptive listening) are used to support attention, inhibitory control, emotional regulation, hyperactivity reduction, self-esteem, and social functioning. In this perspective, we describe the role of MT in ADHD and propose a conceptual framework for its clinical use and future research directions.