Music therapy programme for children diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. The main aim of this research was to study the use of music therapy as an intervention to improve ADHD symptoms within a group of children diagnosed with the disorder. METHODS: The research method was based on Concurrent Triangulation Design (DITRIAC, in Spanish "Diseño de Triangulación Concurrente") as a mixed-methods approach. Five children, six parents and five form teachers (homeroom teachers) took part in the study. The quantitative instrument used was a Likert-type Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (EDAH, in Spanish "Evaluación del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad"). This scale was filled by both the research team and the form teachers. The main qualitative techniques used to collect information were: semi-structured interviews with the children's parents, both before and after the intervention; participant observation along with an investigation log; and the drawings the children produced in the sessions, as visual evidence. RESULTS: Results, following the intervention, reflect a significant decrease in characteristic ADHD behaviours: hyperactivity and impulsivity, attention deficit and behavioural disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy can be a helpful tool to develop social and emotional learning (SEL) as a core element of our education systems. Music therapy helped the children to regulate not only ADHD symptoms, but also emotions and feelings related to daily life.