How can hypnosis help with ADHD or focus issues?
Hypnosis is a state of relaxed focus that connects to our subconscious mind for positive change. But can the use of mental images and repetition help those struggling with ADHD and focus issues to concentrate and be more productive? [20.11.24.]
What is hypnosis and ADHD?
Hypnosis is a mental state of “relaxed focus” that allows for increased concentration, imagination, and suggestibility. Hypnos (ὕπνος or hýpnos) means “sleep” in Greek. Although the person under hypnosis appears in a trance-like sleep state, they are, in fact, in a state of hyper-awareness. This allows them to connect to their subconscious mind, where resistance, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks are stored.
Three forms of hypnosis are: guided hypnosis (recorded instructions such as apps and videos to induce a hypnotic state), hypnotherapy (a blend of hypnosis and talk therapy to treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression), and self-hypnosis (when a person induces self-hypnosis on themselves).
ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurotype that includes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity which can make it difficult to fit into a neurotypical or “standard” model of school, work or organisation. Three types of ADHD are: the inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or the combined type.
Adult ADHD symptoms include
Inattention: find it difficult to pay attention, getting distracted or struggling to listen
Disorganised/ procrastination: poor time management, planning, or organisation
Forgetfulness: frequently losing things or being forgetful
Impulsiveness: mood swings, outbursts of anger
Risky behaviour: taking unnecessary risks such as driving dangerously, overspending or substance use
Social challenges: difficulty waiting to speak, staying on a topic, or keeping track of the conversation
Prioritisation: difficulty seeing which task is most important
Q: Do I have ADHD or just focus issues?
The problem with deciding whether we have ADHD or simply lack focus is common. In our modern world, we’re surrounded by ads, tabs, and social media enticing us away from our boring tasks. A survey even found that 25% of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults as some symptoms (lack of focus and concentration/ motivation) may coincide with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Those with ADHD struggle with repetitive, uninteresting “boring” tasks, although they get lost in tasks they enjoy (becoming engrossed in one thing and neglecting other duties). Executive brain functioning makes it difficult to find motivation for uninteresting tasks.
People with ADHD may find executive functioning tasks difficult. This includes self-regulation, impulsivity and prioritisation. Other executive functioning tasks that may suffer include: organising, focused attention, sustaining effort, managing emotions and frustration, working memory and recall, and self-regulating action (pausing between a feeling and an action, taking time to think things through, making a plan and having patience).
It can be challenging for someone with ADHD to start and finish tasks leading to a sense of disorganisation and inner frustration.
The difference between those with and without ADHD is that those with ADHD often cannot muster the energy to “slog through” the boring task. Those with ADHD may struggle with finances, life admin or household chores. Time-consuming, repetitive and predictable chores can also suffer. Those with ADHD may also give up on skills that require more effort such as learning a new language.
Research shows hypnosis helps ADHD
1) Hypnosis helps with anxiety: hypnosis and hypnotherapy are effective in treating anxiety. This may positively affect heart health (cardiovascular system, reducing sympathetic activation and increasing parasympathetic tone) (Leo et al., 2024).
2) 9/10 of those with ADHD improved with hypnotherapy: a study found that those with ADHD benefited from hypnotherapy (9/10 of the control group) and a follow-up study found that those who did hypnosis had better results than CBT (Hiltunen et al., 2014).
3) Improved focus: a study found that hypnotic suggestions improved reaction times in a continuous performance test for both adults with ADHD and healthy participants. This suggests hypnosis can enhance sustained attention and focus (Hiltunen, 2021).
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