Photobiomodulation for

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 6% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide.

ADHD is believed to be related to neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain. Lower dopamine levels may affect focus and task completion, and genetic variations in dopamine transporter proteins could result in too much dopamine being removed too quickly from the brain.

Additionally, ADHD has been associated with changes in functional connectivity in various brain networks, including the default mode network, visual, sensory motor, attentional, frontal, central executive, and frontal networks.

There is some evidence that light therapy may be an effective treatment for ADHD.

Significant decrease in ADHD symptoms, and improved mood in adults with ADHD

In this study, the researchers investigated the potential of morning bright light therapy as a 3-week treatment for 29 adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results showed a significant decrease in ADHD symptoms, improved mood symptoms, and a phase advance in circadian preference.

Greater ability to focus, organize and manage ADHD symptoms

Another study by Stephan, W. et al. (2022) found that tPBM reduced neuroinflammation, increased cerebral blood flow, reduced oxidative stress, and stimulated neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, which consequently resulted in greater ability to focus, organize, and manage ADHD symptoms in adults. These findings suggest that tPBM may be a safe and effective treatment option for ADHD.

References:

1. Ceranoglu TA, Cassano P, Hutt Vater C, Green A, Dallenbach N, Disalvo M, Biederman J, Joshi G. Efficacy of tPBM on ADHD symptoms and Executive Function Deficits in Adults with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Eur Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 1;65(Suppl 1):S867. doi: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2248. PMCID: PMC9568161. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9568161/

2. Rybak, Y. E., McNeely, H. E., Mackenzie, B. E., Jain, U. R., & Levitan, R. D. (2006). An open trial of light therapy in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 67(10), 1527–1535. https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.v67n1006

3. Stephan, W., Banas, L. J., Brierley, W., & Hamblin, M. R. (2022). Efficacy of Photobiomodulation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Case Studies. World Journal of Neuroscience, 12(3), 15-23. DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2022.123015 https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=119187

Further Research

Clinical research is ongoing and several studies have been published on light therapy for various conditions.

Take a look below to explore each research page.

Neuronic is not providing any medical advice. Neuronic devices are not medical devices under any jurisdiction and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.