By Jamie
November 1, 2017

ADHD Hypnotherapy may sound unlikely at first, but the reality is surprisingly positive for this highly misunderstood but powerful complementary treatment.

As the controversy about possible over-diagnosis of ADHD continues, and the risks of medication continue to be debated and researched, a growing number of ADHD adults and parents of children with ADHD are now considering alternative and complementary therapies to help them cope with this condition.

According to ADHD expert Dr Tony Lloyd, from the charity ADHD Foundation (which is chaired by Rory Bremner, who himself has ADD), drug treatment should be used only as an adjunct to behavioural therapies, as recommended by NHS guidelines. But the reality is that in adults the vast majority only receive medication, and in young children 75% receive medication, and only 50% receive behavioural treatment.

“The fact of the matter is that in the UK medication is the first line of treatment and pretty much the only line of treatment. That needs to change.” ~Dr. Tony Lloyd [1]

Whilst hypnotherapy has for too long been associated with stage shows, it is increasingly receiving the scientific attention that it deserves, and has been shown to be effective for a wide range of problems from smoking, to anxiety, and even depression. And now, ADHD Hypnotherapy is becoming more widely accepted as offering possible benefits. According to the National Council of Hypnotherapy, the main regulatory, professional body in the UK:

“Research has been conducted using alternative therapies including hypnotherapy for ADHD and hypnosis has been found to help people with ADHD focus, concentrate, and control stressful situations.

Other forms of treatment that contain no side effects include psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy. These, along with hypnotherapy, can help children change their behaviour and help them realise that they can be in control of their actions.” [1]

In terms of learning differences and behavioural problems, including ADHD, hypnotherapy can help you or your child to:

  • Learn to focus
  • Avoid distractions
  • Improve study habits
  • Raise Self Esteem
  • Release Traumas & Phobias related to ADHD
  • Change your beliefs about ADHD for the positive
  • Increase motivation & eliminate procrastination
  • Improve sleep
  • Lower depression and anxiety

Here are 7 reasons to consider Hypnotherapy for ADHD for you or your child…

1). It turns out that children and adults with ADHD can be hypnotised after all.

In fact, the slow brain wave activity typically found in children and adults with ADHD is similar to what we find in someone that is hypnotised, or indeed in children up to the age of 12. Interestingly, all children are very suggestible and hypnotisable. 

According to Traci Stein, PhD, in Psychology Today:

“Hypnosis involves attending to hypnotic suggestions, and it would seem logical that those with ADHD would have greater difficulty paying attention to them. Yet, some research has shown that people with ADHD are in fact more hypnotizable and trance-prone than average despite challenges with focus.”[2]