Hypnotherapy for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized controlled study

2010
Maarit Virta, Anita Salakari, Mervi Antila, E. Chydenius

Abstract

This is the first controlled randomized study investigating the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Results of the nine hypnotherapy participants and 10 controls are presented. Self-report questionnaires, independent evaluations, and computerized neurocognitive testing were used before and after the treatment to evaluate change.

As assessed by the self-evaluations, seven of the nine participants comprising the hypnotherapy group and two of the 10 controls improved. Using independent evaluations, six of the hypnotherapy and three participants of the control group improved.

There was no treatment-related improvement in cognitive performance. These promising results warrant further studies with more participants and with longer treatment duration.