Menu
Menu
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that hinders normal functioning or development. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood and is typically first diagnosed during this period, often continuing into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (acting without considering the consequences), or be overly active.
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:
Research to date has shown ADHD may be caused by a number of things:
In very rare cases, toxins in the environment may lead to ADHD. For instance, lead in the body can affect child development and behavior.
Based on Buteyko’s theory, a person’s breathing habit strongly affects their powers of concentration in the following way:
When you breathe too much, carbon dioxide levels go down, blood vessels become narrow, and less oxygen is released by the blood, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain. When brain cells (neurons) receive less oxygen they start behaving erratically, destabilizing the mind. The mind then grows more hyperactive and impulsive in its thinking and has problems focusing on one activity for a longer time.
Scientific research:
“The brain, by regulating breathing, controls its own excitability” – Balestrino & Somjen (1988)
“Hyperventilation leads to spontaneous and asynchronous firing of cortical neurons” – Huttunen et. Al (1999)
ADHD is a complex condition that impacts individuals in various ways. While many find effective control through optimized pharmacotherapy in clinical trials, a significant number still grapple with poor control, relying heavily on medication and facing ongoing symptoms that affect their quality of life.
At the Hobson Institute, our approach involves breathing exercises for ADHD, categorized into three groups:
Dr. Hobson and our Craniofacial team are experts in the Buteyko Breathing Method, a specialized technique that improves breathing mechanics and physiology.
Many people overlook the significance of how often they breathe and whether they use their nose or mouth. Mouth and chest breathing, common habits, lead to faster-than-normal breathing, bringing in more air volume than necessary. Over time, our bodies adapt to this, and adjusting to breathing less may initially feel suffocating.
In ADHD, breathing volume can exceed normal levels, reaching over 20 liters per minute instead of the usual 6 liters. This over-breathing becomes habitual and may lead to organ damage, respiratory issues, heart disease, and other health problems.
The Hobson Institute employs the Capnometer to determine your CO2 levels. An optimal level is at least 35mmHG, but we aim for levels above 40mmHG. Many ADHD patients exhibit low CO2 levels, causing lung and blood vessel constriction, breathlessness, anxiety, and intensified of those with ADHD symptoms. Retaining the breathing can significantly impact symptom control and calm the nervous system of those with ADHD.
Fast, chest or mouth breathing keeps us in a “Fight or Flight” nervous system mode, hindering concentration. At the Hobson Institute, we guide individuals to activate the “Rest and Digestive” nervous system by restoring normal nasal diaphragmatic breathing. With an optimal breathing rate of 8-10 breaths per minute during rest, we empower individuals to gradually reduce their reliance on ADHD medication.
“I was skeptical before trying the breathing retraining program for my ADHD. After 3 months of training my breathing, I am now off my ADHD medication that I have been on for the last 7 years. I am grateful for the therapists at the Hobson Institute who helped me work on this part of my body which I had no idea was affecting my ability to concentrate.”
– T. Smith, patient
Contact us today to schedule an appointment (312-986-9833).
