It is of no wonder that hypnotherapy can help many who deal with ADHD. Many mental states of mind can be affected through the use of hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy calms many dealing with anxiety or stress, but it can also help with mental issues such as ADHD. It allows the mind to focus more and also remember things better. Hypnotherapy overall has a soothing effect on the mind that is dealing with ADHD. Many with ADHD issues are being encouraged by ADHD Consultants to try out hypnotherapy and see if it can positively affect them.
The article, “Hypnotherapy for ADHD Symptoms: Can Hypnosis Help?” by Beth Guadagni looks closer at how hypnotherapy can help those facing ADHD. In her article, she looks at a study that utilized hypnotherapy on patients with ADHD and their overall positive outcomes. The article also looks at the evolution of hypnotherapy and some calming effects on the ADHD mind that one can find. In regards to the findings in some case trials, the article states,
“While these results may make researchers optimistic about hypnotherapy’s potential, robust clinical trials are sparse. In a small study involving 17 participants in 2014, researchers compared the results of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy. Both treatment groups improved, but the hypnotherapy patients reported significantly better psychological wellbeing, and decreased anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms.”
Hypnotherapy for ADHD Symptoms: Can Hypnosis Help?. Beth Guadagni. November 15th, 2022. ADDitude.
To review the entire article, please click here
Commentary
Hypnosis is a psychological phenomenon which has been utilized for centuries to induce an altered state of consciousness, allowing individuals to access subconscious memories and beliefs. It is hypothesized that during hypnosis an individual’s level of suggestibility increases, making them more open to the suggestions of another individual or external factors. This heightened suggestibility can be seen in changes in behavior, thoughts, emotions, and physiological responses. The effects of hypnosis can vary widely depending on the subject’s expectations and motivations for participation, as well as on the techniques employed by the hypnotist.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by persistent difficulties in the areas of executive functioning, self-regulation, and impulsivity. It is associated with impairment in multiple domains of functioning, including academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and occupational outcomes. ADHD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
It has been shown in case studies that hypnosis can help with ADHD symptoms in regards to helping others become more calm and able to focus and concentrate.
ADHD and Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been utilised as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in recent years, due to its ability to alter cognitive and behavioural processes. This is due to its potential to help increase attention span, decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, enhance cognitive functioning, and improve overall behaviour. By inducing an altered state of consciousness, hypnosis can facilitate access to unconscious psychological material, thus allowing for the exploration of maladaptive behaviours and emotional states that may be contributing to the disorder. Furthermore, hypnosis can also serve as a form of psychotherapy, providing an individual with the opportunity to explore and develop alternate ways of behaving in order to manage the symptoms of ADHD more effectively.
In addition, recent studies have indicated a potential for the use of hypnosis treatment to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with ADHD, such as restlessness or difficulty focusing. Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels which can then help individuals with ADHD cope better with their daily tasks.
Conclusion
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists can help individuals deal with symptoms of ADHD. In particular, hypnosis can help individuals become more calm and focused despite ADHD. This is an alternative therapy which in studies have proven to be helpful. The evidence suggests that hypnosis can be an effective tool in helping to manage the symptoms of ADHD. The participants in this study found that they were able to concentrate better and had increased focus as a result of their hypnosis sessions. It is also important to note that there were no adverse effects reported from using this treatment, making it a viable option for those living with ADHD. With further research and study, hypnosis may become a more widely accepted treatment for ADHD.
ADHD consultants and counselors may wish to consider also utilizing hypnosis as a way to help their patients deal with ADHD. Counselors who are ADHD certified may wish to utilize hypnosis as a potential treatment and see if it has benefits for their particular patient.
AIHCP offers both an Certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy and also a Certification in ADHD Consulting. Only qualified professionals in the mental health and health care fields are eligible to earn these certifications. The programs are online and independent study and offer the professional the ability to add these credentials to their professional resume. After completion of the required online courses, qualified professionals can then apply for a four year certification. One can then renew that certification every four years to maintain it. Please review the programs and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.
Additional Resources
“The Impact of Hypnotic Suggestions on Reaction Times in Continuous Performance Test in Adults with ADHD and Healthy Controls”. Maarit Virta, etc. al. May 11, 2015. Plos One. Access here
“BETTER LONG-TERM OUTCOME FOR HYPNOTHERAPY THAN FOR CBT IN ADULTS WITH ADHD: RESULTS OF A SIX-MONTH FOLLOW-UP”. SEPPO HILTUNEN, etc. al. CONTEMPORARY HYPNOSIS AND INTEGRATIVE THERAPY 30(3): 118–134 (2014). Access here
“5 Reasons to Consider Hypnosis For ADHD”. Rekha Shrivastava, M.S., CH, CRC. March 27, 2021. Blossom Hypnosis. Access here
“Hypnosis For ADHD | To Help You Treat Short Attention Span and Hyperactivity”. Hypnosis Experts. October 29th, 2021. HypnoHub. Access here