Hypnotherapy for ADHD may initially be surprising, yet it's emerging as a surprisingly beneficial option for individuals grappling with ADHD. Amid ongoing debates about potential over-diagnosis and the contentious nature of ADHD medication, more adults with ADHD and parents navigating the challenges of raising children with ADHD are exploring alternative therapies, with hypnotherapy being one of them.
It is thought 5% of children and 3-4% of adults have ADHD – a total estimate of 2.6million people in the UK with ADHD (694,000 children, 1.9 million adults). Source
Dr. Tony Lloyd, from the charity ADHD Foundation underscores the importance of combining drug treatment with behavioural therapies, a sentiment echoed by NHS guidelines.
"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
However, the reality often falls short, with a significant number of individuals, particularly adults, solely relying on medication for management. Even among young children diagnosed with ADHD, medication remains the predominant treatment avenue, while behavioural therapy lags behind.
The tide is turning however, as hypnotherapy continues to shed the outdated association with stage performances and gains further scientific recognition for its efficacy across a spectrum of issues. This including smoking cessation, IBS, tinnitus anxiety, depression, and more. Now, ADHD Hypnotherapy is gradually gaining acceptance as a viable option. Research conducted by bodies such as the National Council of Hypnotherapy indicates promising outcomes, with hypnotherapy shown to enhance focus, concentration, and stress management among individuals with ADHD.
Not only can people with ADHD be hypnotised, but there may even be reason to believe that children and adults with ADHD may in fact share characteristics that make them more responsive to hypnosis and suggestion than those without ADHD.
Additionally, hypnotherapy has minimal side effects and is an increasingly compelling alternative to medication, particularly for those averse to or unable to tolerate that option. It also has potential for reducing medication dosages and mitigating associated side effects (though any adjustments should be made under professional guidance).
In terms of learning differences and behavioural problems, including ADHD, hypnotherapy can help you or your child to:
Learn to focus
Better avoid distractions
Improve study habits
Increase self esteem
Release traumas & phobias related to ADHD
Change your beliefs about ADHD for the positive
Increase motivation & eliminate procrastination
Improve sleep
Manage depression and anxiety
Children, in particular, stand to benefit from hypnotherapy due to their natural suggestibility and imaginative capacity, factors that enhance receptivity to hypnotic suggestions. Coupled with the brain's remarkable neuroplasticity, which allows for rewiring in response to environmental stimuli, hypnotherapy often yields swift and enduring results, outpacing traditional therapies in efficacy and efficiency.
Furthermore, hypnotherapy's cost-effectiveness and relatively rapid outcomes make it an attractive option for individuals seeking relief from ADHD symptoms. A hypnotherapist will ensuring tailored interventions that cater to the unique needs of individuals with ADHD. Combining self-hypnosis techniques with individualized sessions, hypnotherapy can make a big difference in managing ADHD symptoms and improving overall well-being.
So for individuals and families grappling with ADHD, exploring the potential of hypnotherapy could really help.
Get in touch to learn more about hypnotherapy can help you be more productive.
Malcolm Struthers Hypnotherapy - Dumfries & Galloway and online