Outcomes of music therapy on children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 7% of children and 5% of adolescents worldwide. ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity as symptoms. The exact mechanism underlying this disorder is still unclear, but genetic and environmental factors play important roles. In recent years, research and treatment options have increased, including medication and/or therapeutic interventions such as music therapy. There is evidence showing benefits of music therapy on mental health, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, results regarding ADHD are limited. The aim of this meta-analysis was to verify whether music therapy is an effective tool for improving symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the Virtual Health Library, SciELO, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. This article included original research that investigated the effect of music therapy on hyperactive and impulsive symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Results: Music therapy was associated with a trend of efficacy involving ADHD symptoms (effect size: 1.18; CI: −3.8 – 0.21; p = 0.08). Additionally, a significant amount of heterogeneity among trials was found (I2 = 92 %). The lack of studies involving music therapy, ADHD and brain imaging, as well as limited investigation of inattention symptoms in studied articles are limitations of this article. Conclusion: Music therapy is an important therapeutic tool for ADHD. Therefore, future research should include more robust samples and measurement scales, follow-up after experiments and further exploration of the potential connections among ADHD, music therapy, neuroimaging and neuroscientific fields.