Brainwave Entrainment for ADHD, is probably not the first thing you look into when you have ADHD. Whilst, of course, medication, exercise, and various therapies, are the core of any approach to managing ADHD, nonetheless some people with ADHD report a positive response to this particular modality.

In this article, we take a look at what brainwave entrainment is, and how it might be able to help you manage and even master your symptoms of ADHD.  [1, 2]

What Is Brainwave Entrainment 

In simple terms, brainwave entrainment for ADHD is the use of light or sound to induce a “Frequency Following Response” (FFR) in the brain, which is another term for "entrainment." In other words, using pulses of light and/or sound, you can induce certain electrical states in the brain.

It's similar to listening to music, feeling the beat, and tapping along. It can make you feel more alert. Conversely, slower music may lead to more relaxed responses as you slow down.

Binaural Beats for ADHD

Most people's introduction to brainwave entrainment normally comes via Binaural beats. These are a particular type of auditory entrainment, which works by sending a different tone in each ear (say 30hz or cycles per second in the Left ear and 10hz in the Right ear), and the difference between the two beats (in this instance, 20hz) is perceived as a “beat.”

However the research tends to show that binaural beats (a particular type of auditory entrainment which is the oldest and hence most well known and employed) create more of a relaxed or hypnotic state in listeners. This is why many hypnotists like to use them and why they are often favoured for deep meditation. In the case of ADHD, however, we need entrainment that leads to a more stimulating response in the brain. These include:

• Isochronic tones – a tone being switched on and off very rapidly, creating sharp, distinctive, pulses of sound, are reported to work more efficiently for faster stimulation.

• Light based (photic stimulation) combined with auditory entrainment, otherwise known as “Audio Visual Entrainment” (AVE), is a much more powerful form of entrainment because there is a stronger cortical response to light than sound [3]

Why People With ADHD Have Slower Brainwaves

People that have ADD (primarily Attention Deficit) tend to be more day-dreamy. This appears related to an over-production of theta waves (4-7HZ or “cycles per second”) in the front of the brain. These are great for creativity and empathy, but not so good for when you need to be really focused.

In those with the Hyperactive (ADHD) component, we tend to find that hyperactive persons' brains are running even more slowly than those with ADD which is why those with ADHD are more fidgety or “hyper.”

This is their way of attempting to compensate for the extreme dopamine depletion in their brain. In other words, they are literally “falling asleep at the wheel”, and hence why they need to “bounce off the walls” (seek stimulation) to keep themselves awake.

The theory goes that binaural beats or brainwave entrainment generally can help ADHD in much the same way that medication does: using light and sound, the prefrontal cortex can be stimulated to increase electrical activity and increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

It should be pointed out that whereas slow brainwave entrainment may be beneficial to help us relax, in the case of ADHD (just like stimulant medication or exercise) there tends to be a “paradoxical response”. In other words, the use of faster brainwave entrainment can actually help people with ADHD to calm down and focus.

 

The Benefits of Brainwave Entrainment for ADHD

There is no question that binaural beats for ADHD or brainwave entrainment is not as effective or powerful as medication, but there are some good reasons why it may be worth considering them as an alternative or complement to your existing therapy regime.

• Brainwave entrainment can be fun and enjoyable to listen to.

• Binaural beats and BWE may offer the benefits of relaxation, focus, and make deep states of meditation or hypnosis easier to achieve.

• Brainwave entrainment, as some research suggests, may work more powerfully when combined with other treatment, such as the use of medication or exercise.

• BWE and BB's may offer therapeutic value to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to take medication or choose not to medicate (which occurs in about 10-20% of the ADHD population).

• Brainwave entrainment is an affordable modality. An MP3 could cost you little more than a few pounds, whilst an Audio Visual Entrainment (AVE) device between £100-£400 pounds on average. So either way, if you're sceptical about this modality, in terms of cost you have little to lose, and potentially a lot to gain.

• Binaural beats for ADHD and brainwave entrainment appear to be generally are safe for most users, except those with a history of epilepsy, neurological condition or hearing disorders. You should always consult with a physician when considering whether you or your child are suitable to use this modality

Success With Brainwave Entrainment 

In 2004 when I was diagnosed with ADHD and tried medication I discontinued due to side effects. I purchased an AVE device called “Procyon” which I have been using ever since as my daily “dopamine fix.” I find it effective after just 10-20 minutes and it's positively addictive so I never forget to use it.

(Please note however, that for most persons the use of an AVE device such as the DavidPal created by MindAlive, or the MindSpa, are preferable for ADHD and safer than the Procyon device, the latter being more of an entertainment device.)

DavidPal by MindAlive Mind Alive Inc - AVE Devices – Mind Alive Inc.

Mindspa: Improve Your Powers of Memory, Concentration and Focus (mindspa-uk.com)

In 2011, when I had my big transformation, recovering from life-long depression and ADHD, I credit that in big part to the use of a particularly sophisticated form of auditory brainwave entrainment called iAwake that I combined with meditation, exercise and hypnosis.

Over the years I have had a number of clients who have tried everything for sleep and nothing worked, but some of them reported that the use of an AVE device at bedtime worked very efficiently.

I also helped someone who had spent tens of thousands of pounds attending a special clinic in the USA for her long-term insomnia. She returned to the UK, still suffering sleepless nights. I gave her a Delta brainwave audio track to listen to at bedtime, and she reported finally being able to sleep.

Of course, these are just some examples, and everyone is different and responds differently. But brainwave entrainment may be worth a try.

Try Brainwave Entrainment for Yourself

Brainwave entrainment may be helpful to explore if, for some reason, you cannot or do not take medication. Either way, it is advisable to consult your medical health professional when considering the use of this technology, especially if you are considering to use a light-based “Audio Visual Entrainment” (AVE) device. If the user is young or there is a history of epilepsy in the family, you should of course confirm that this would be a safe option.

Otherwise brainwave entrainment, especially auditory entrainment like binaural beats, is safe for the vast majority of people. And if you want to explore it's use without spending any money, why not sign up to iAwake Technologies mailing list where you can get access to 6 free 10 minute samples. https://zo158.isrefer.com/go/home/diamond88/

Note that most of the tracks are relaxation based, but for daytime use when you have ADHD be sure to use the track called “Digital Euphoria”. It's only 10 minutes long, so play it on repeat using a pair of headphones with eyes closed. You may also want to try listening when exercising or working, although most entrainment tends to work optimally with eyes closed.

Future Reports on Brainwave Entrainment

In our next article in the Brainwave Series we answer the question, what evidence is there for the effectiveness of brainwave entrainment for ADHD? And after that we explore how best to use Brainwave Entrainment for ADHD; essential and powerful tips and strategies to make sure you get the most out of this modality. Be sure to make sure you're signed up to my mailing list so that you receive an update as soon as these future articles are released. 

ADDVANTAGEHYPNOTHERAPY Email Marketing - (activehosted.com)

 

References 

[1] ADHD Music: How Music May (Or May Not) Help You Focus (healthline.com)

[2] Binaural Beats Research Breakdown | Examine.com

[3] Research on Audio Visual Entrainment (AVE) for ADHD, David Siever, Mind Alive Mind Alive Inc - Studies on ADD/ADHD – Mind Alive Inc.