Binaural Beats Stimulation for Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This randomized controlled study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a six-week, music-based binaural beats stimulation (BBS) intervention in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study aims to enroll 40 adults between 18 and 55 years of age with a previous ADHD diagnosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BBS intervention group or the control group, with approximately 20 participants in each group.

During the first study visit, participants will provide informed consent and complete demographic and mental health questionnaires. ADHD symptoms will be assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Participants will also complete baseline cognitive assessments using the CogniFit Research platform. The assessment battery will evaluate cognitive abilities related to attention, memory, coordination, and reasoning.

Participants will then attend 12 supervised listening sessions over six weeks, with two sessions conducted each week. Each listening session will include 20 minutes of music delivered through headphones. Participants assigned to the intervention group will listen to music containing embedded binaural beats, while participants assigned to the control group will listen to similar music without binaural beats. Before each listening session, participants will rest quietly for five minutes, after which heart rate and blood pressure will be measured and readiness to participate will be assessed.

After the six-week intervention, participants will complete the same cognitive assessment battery administered at baseline. Changes in cognitive outcomes from baseline to six weeks will be compared between the intervention and control groups. Session attendance and participant retention will also be evaluated as indicators of intervention feasibility and acceptability.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 55 years
• Previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) made by a qualified healthcare professional and supported by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1)
• Willing to wear headphones during the listening sessions
• Able and willing to attend 12 listening sessions conducted twice weekly over six weeks -

Exclusion criteria

• Anticipated absence from the study area for more than seven days during the two-month study period
• Uncorrectable hearing impairment that would prevent adequate delivery of music through headphones
• Acute psychiatric condition, such as depression
• Intellectual or developmental disability that could interfere with study participation
• Acute medical condition resulting in sensory impairment
• Initiation of, or a change in dosage of, stimulant, antipsychotic, or analgesic medication within the previous month
• Anticipated change in stimulant, antipsychotic, or analgesic medication during the study period