Music therapy in AD-HD: essential to improve impulsivity, behavioral self-regulation and attention.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy consists of the adaptation of music and all the elements that make it up (rhythm, melody, harmony…) applying a therapeutic approach to a series of objectives, which will be set depending on the type of patient.
Music therapy can be adapted to different contexts and cases depending on the characteristics of each one. It is based on strengthening the weak points, relying on the strong ones. Therefore, it is very important to know the therapeutic objectives established by the rest of the professionals, in order to be able to establish a joint path in which to guide the person.
The use of musical elements in therapy enhances the advancement of the therapeutic process of the person in question and their entire family as a whole.
Music and brain
It is important to know the relationship between music and the brain in order to know what the cognitive benefits are and what brain areas are involved in musical work.
We know that when areas of the left hemisphere are injured, speech is affected, but that when areas of the right hemisphere are damaged, it is singing that is observed to be altered. However, it is widely demonstrated that no function is controlled solely by a single hemisphere, since it is normally the entire cognitive network that is put into operation. (Wigram, T.; Nygaard, I. & Ole, L., 2005).
That is why musical activity cannot depend on the execution of a single hemisphere, since it requires the involvement of many areas such as: motor area, limbic system, cerebral cortex and, of course, the sensory area.
For example, in one of the most used activities in music therapy (the repetition of a series of rhythms) many brain areas are activated for optimal execution. Some of the most important areas involved in this process are:
Listening to rhythm—> Auditory system and attention
Retain information—-> Working memory (Executive Function)
Repeat the rhythm—> Motor and visual system
Here we can see that a simple activity challenges the execution of several cognitive domains. Therefore, music involves both hemispheres, our entire brain.
What benefits does a person with AD-HD obtain?
Specifically, people with Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder share a series of cognitive characteristics in common, although as we have mentioned previously, we always adjust it to the specific needs of each person.
In general terms, the cognitive benefits that people with AD-HD, more specifically children and adolescents, are as follows:
The development and improvement of the patient’s cognitive capacity is observed, based on the use of rhythm, since it functions as a reference element for information processing.
Likewise, rhythm allows us to work on impulsivity, controlling and reducing its presence.
The use of melody and harmony enhances the development of creativity, which involves executive functions and, more specifically, cognitive flexibility.
Channeling energy through the use of instruments (usually percussion instruments) improves the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in children and adolescents with ADHD.
In addition, an improvement is seen in sustained attention (concentration), divided and selective attention, through the use of any of the musical activities carried out.
The use of instruments such as the piano, flute and drum are directly related to improving coordination and motor skills (psychomotor skills).
Of course, music channels emotions, which results in a greater capacity for emotional identification and management. Thanks to breathing and rhythm, the child’s emotional and behavioral self-knowledge is promoted.
Within Neurocreativa we promote creative music, this type of musical therapy involves the patient themselves in the music therapy session. We encourage improvisation and musical accompaniment by the music therapist towards the person in question. Everything mentioned above helps us work on and improve executive functions, emotional management and improve attention span.
All this work is carried out by our music therapist, who has the appropriate training to be able to work on the aspects mentioned above. However, Neurocreativa music therapy sessions differ from the rest in that they are always coordinated by our neuropsychologist. This means that the common therapeutic objectives for improving the patient’s quality of life are always present. From different approaches, we expand our vision.
Currently, due to the current situation, we are carrying out the sessions online, as it guarantees the health safety of everyone. That is why, exceptionally and with very good results, the music therapy sessions are being taught jointly by our music therapist and our neuropsychologist. Not only is there a therapist, but he is also accompanied by a co-therapist, which is ideal for this type of therapy. In addition, through online therapy we use a greater number of instruments, unlike home therapy, opening the range of resources much more.
Bibliography
Sacks, O. (2007). Musicophilia. Ed: Anagram. Barcelona.
Wigram, T; Nygaard, I. & Ole, L. (2005). Complete guide to music therapy. Ed: AgrupArte. Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Warrior. R. (2016). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ed: Planet. Barcelona
