Music Therapy Paired with Mindfulness Exercises Reduces ADHD Symptoms: New Studies

May 21, 2025Listening to music while practicing mindfulness exercises may improve focus, mood, and emotional wellbeing in people with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression, according to two new studies.A systematic review examining the relationship between music and ADHD found that music listening activates brain regions involved in sensory processing, motor control, and motivation — networks that are often dysregulated in individuals with attention deficit.1Traditional thinking suggests that quiet environments help sustain attention; however, the opposite may be true.

The review, published in Behavioral Science, indicated that music, especially calm music with or without lyrics, can improve focus and performance in individuals with ADHD, especially when it is heard before or during tasks.

Listening to music can also help filter out distractions, leading to improved learning and mood.“People with ADHD benefit from ‘rhythmic entrainment,’ using strong, steady rhythms to imprint structure and consistency.

This assists with regulation of attention and behavior,” said Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, during his presentation titled, “We Got the Beat: The Impact of Music on ADHD,” at the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD.Listening to music could become counterproductive if it causes overstimulation or if the listener is doing a challenging task that requires significant cognitive resources, the researchers noted.Music listening may be self-directed or facilitated by a trained music therapist, as part of music therapy.