The ADHD and Music Connection

Jake couldn't concentrate in science class, banging his fingers on the table, getting up at inappropriate times, constantly fidgeting and asking to be excused for one reason or another. He did a little better with hands on tasks and illustrating, but classwork was a matter of getting out of it most of the time for him. After about a month, when he could sense the frustration of the teacher, he leaned over and whispered, "I have ADHD, don't tell anyone," with a little bit of fear on his face.

His mother was in a bit of a dilemma, she wasn't prepared for the issues she was facing with her son, she had no idea about ADHD, and didn't know how to handle the situation. Her English was very limited and she appeared fearful to come into school. It is probably that she may not have been a legal immigrant in the United States, and this adds to the fears of authority in the public schools where her son attended.

One thing about it, Jake knew all the lyrics of his favorite rap songs. He could sing entire songs word for word, had his own iPod and banged the science room table with enthusiasm to the music flying in his head.

The point of Jake's story isn't to establish a cause and effect relationship between certain types of music and ADHD, but rather to illustrate what has already been more or less established with major depression and time spent listening to popular music for teenagers, that there is a strong connection, if not cause and effect, a correlation. In the case of ADHD, there are so many factors that can contribute to ADHD, see Joel Nigg's scientifically-oriented book, What Causes ADHD?, that mentioning music in the discussion just adds one more point of reference that parents and teachers may want to consider with some children and teenagers. Music today is highly-charged and too much time with music can, in fact, affect the brain of teens, whose brains are still forming connections, both growing and pruning brain cells.

Parents need to give consideration to the type and the amount of music that their children and teen listens to, both on the iPods or other electronic units, on their cell phones, or at home on music-television stations such as MTV. The combination of music and powerful visual imagery, usually mixed with sexual images, is a potent mixture to distract the mind of adolescents. For some with a genetic predisposition, this strong music-visual mix can affect the mind in a way that surfaces as depression, or distraction, lack of focus, inability to sit down, etc. Along with other factors, it can be part of a media-mix contributing to ADHD symptoms.

Additionally, certain types of music are easier for the mind to digest than others. The mind can more easily assimilate music which is smooth and mellow. Music, even some types of jazz, which are totally disjointed and which don't seem to follow an easy to follow pattern, can cause the mind to be disoriented. This applies to today's popular music also. Music which is harsh and discordant can have a disorienting affect on the mind. Choose music which is mellower, smoother, and that flows with melody.

Solutions to any media-related issues with children and teens are possible and can be implemented by any parent or caregiver who is aware of the need for change. To express real love for your children, be firm. Firm doesn't signify being mean or tyrannical, it simply means that you are the parent and your decisions are what stand in your own household rather than that of the child or teen. School Psychologist Keisha Hill indicates that parents who do not establish limits at home might have children who have a difficult time staying focus, concentrating or behaving in school. See the attention deficit disorder book - Overcoming ADHD Without Medication: A Parent and Educator's Guidebook. As long as you are paying the way, and in truth, even if you're not, you have the authority and responsibility to set standards in your house for the long-term benefit of your children.

You have the right to say whether or not your child has an iPod, can watch certain programs on television, or to block certain programs on the cable or satellite TV or computer. Make use of the channel blocker and purchase parental internet control software to set limits on internet use.

In the case of music, if your child is overdoing it with time and intensity, try to shift him or her to a gentler form of music. Introduce different music to your children that is more conducive to good mental health. Limit the time and the avenues of media flow that your child or teen is indulging in. Try to occupy your child or teen's time with productive activities. Often, it is boredom that leads teens to overindulge in various forms of the media and music. If your child is definitely music-oriented, enroll him in music lessons to learn to play an instrument, preferably acoustic, which is less intense than the electric version. (Some electric pianos are almost the equivalent of acoustic in their sound and intensity).

For adults with ADHD, all of the above is a matter of self-regulation. Make a little checklist of any media issues in your life and work through them, try to cut back on media time, tone down your music, try out some different forms of music such as light classical, cultural of folk music, rather than sticking with what is popular now, which might be highly charged in one way of the other. Thinking about your music choices in terms of good mental health will help you to focus better and be less distracted. Your mental health in general will improve.

Use Safe Eyes or bSecure parental internet control and monitoring software for safer use of the Internet for children and teens at home.