What You’ll Learn
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How red light therapy can support brain health and attention regulation in people with ADHD.
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The science behind how red and near-infrared light stimulates cellular energy, blood flow, and neuroplasticity.
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How to get started with red light therapy.
If you, like me, are one of the many millions of people around the world who are affected by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), you’ll be interested to know that red light therapy is emerging as a potential treatment for this condition.
You may have tried different medications, behavioral therapies, or even attempted to make big changes to your lifestyle to deal with ADHD. Now that scientists are digging into links between brain health and light exposure, many people are asking the question: can red light therapy help with ADHD?
Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to treat a variety of conditions, many of which relate to brain health, leading to new research being done in earnest to find out more about its cognitive and neurological benefits.
So let’s get right into it and look at ADHD and how it’s being treated, and the potential for red light therapy to make a difference in your life.
A brief introduction to ADHD and mainstream treatments
You’ll find that ADHD is a bit different from person to person, but the symptoms are generally the same. Those who live with ADHD generally struggle to pay attention to things both important and mundane, while also living with occasional bursts of hyperactivity and impulsivity. While there are some who struggle more with the focus and attention aspect (this writer, as an example), there are others who have issues with restlessness and behavioral challenges.
What we know about ADHD, at this point, is that it’s rooted in the methods by which the brain processes and regulates neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. Both of those chemicals are responsible for helping us pay attention, regulate our impulse control, and keep us motivated.
You'll also find studies that show how people with ADHD often experience delayed brain maturation in key areas like the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision-making, self-regulation, and executive functioning.
Treatment for ADHD has generally been the same for a few years now. Some people opt for prescription medication like Adderall or Vyvanse, which are intended to help those of us who suffer from ADHD balance the chemicals in our brains. But these medications simply don’t work for everyone, and the side effects can start to interfere with one’s enjoyment of life.
Other treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focus on changing thought patterns in an effort to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD. Other styles of therapy might focus on sleep, diet, and exercise. And now, red light therapy is being added to the mix as a treatment that supports brain health right at the cellular level. You’ll find red light therapy panels are the perfect fit for non-invasive therapy sessions.
How red light therapy could be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD
If we’re going to talk about red light therapy and ADHD, we should dig into how red light therapy works. It’s fairly simple, so we’ll be brief. If you want to go deeper, this is a great article to get you started.
Essentially, red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate skin and tissue. This light stimulates the mitochondria, tiny structures in your cells that convert energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Research shows that red light can actually penetrate the head and reach the brain, increasing blood flow, energy, and neuroprotection. This means less inflammation and better, faster brain repair.
Many of the studies that have been done on brain health and red light therapy have primarily focused on the treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other sorts of cognitive decline. But these studies have led to an interest in further researching the possibility of using red light therapy to treat ADHD. This is great news for those who live with the condition and are looking for a non-prescription method of treating the symptoms!
Red Light Therapy and ADHD: What Does the Research Say?
Just a couple of years ago, scientists began looking hard at the potential of treating ADHD with red light therapy and the results are quite interesting. This case study found that red light therapy “could be a simple answer to the ADHD issue.” Through several experiments, they have demonstrated the changes that people undergoing the therapy experienced even after only one treatment.
In one instance, a subject reported that “After the first treatment, [they] felt great right away! It lasted for quite a few weeks and [they] did not need Adderall.”
Another very promising testimonial from a subject of the study reads as follows: “I received two treatments consecutively due to the fact that I had to leave town. I’m not sure I even needed the second because the initial treatment gave me the clarity and focusing ability which was necessary to be more efficient in my everyday activities. I have just started a new job where I am now taking on a new task and using a new program. I know this would have been much more challenging than it would have been before the therapy.”
Scientists do recommend that more research is needed to be definitive. Looking at nine different studies, they found that red light therapy “showed efficacy in improving disruptive behavior, social communication, cognitive rigidity, sleep quality, and attention in ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders); in enhancing attention in ADHD; and in improving motor skills and verbal fluency in DS (Down Syndrome). Minimal adverse effects were reported. Proposed mechanisms involve enhanced mitochondrial function, modulated oxidative stress, and reduced neuroinflammation.”
They go on to say that “these findings underscore the need for further research, including larger-scale, randomized sham-controlled clinical trials with comprehensive biomarker analyses, to optimize treatment parameters and understand the underlying mechanisms associated with the effects.”
Very recently, a study on animals found that, by using red light therapy, they were able to reduce “impulsivity by suppressing inflammation in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, thereby preserving cellular integrity.” They also point out that “exposure over 21 days enhanced neuronal connectivity, suggesting structural improvements in brain function.”
The future of red light therapy and ADHD treatment
At this point, the research has not shown that red light therapy will cure the symptoms of ADHD, but everything we have seen so far is very, very promising. We can say that it makes a compelling case as a complementary ADHD therapy.
As with all other conditions that one treats with red light therapy, you should always use it as part of your broader treatment strategy, not as a standalone treatment. Also, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before you start your red light treatments to ensure you’re doing your sessions correctly and safely.
For those of you who are interested in experiencing how red light therapy can help with your ADHD, you can choose from one of these red light therapy panels to get you on your way!
FAQs
Can red light therapy replace ADHD medication?
Not at this time. While early research into red light therapy for ADHD is promising, especially when it comes to improving attention and cognitive function, it should not be seen as a replacement for prescribed treatments without guidance from your healthcare provider. Instead, many experts suggest it may be useful as a complementary therapy alongside medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
How often should I use red light therapy for ADHD symptoms?
There is no universally agreed-upon protocol yet for red light therapy specifically for ADHD. However, in similar studies related to cognitive function and mood disorders, sessions have typically ranged from 10 to 20 minutes several times per week. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your red light panel and consult a professional to develop a safe and effective routine.
Is red light therapy safe for children with ADHD?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive, but more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, particularly in children. If you're considering red light therapy for a child with ADHD, consult a pediatrician or specialist familiar with both ADHD and photobiomodulation to determine if it’s an appropriate option.