Could Somatic Therapy Be Beneficial for Those Diagnosed with ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been associated with hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. But beneath those outward signs lies something deeper which is a dysregulated nervous system.

For many living with ADHD, the world feels like it's on overdrive, and conventional strategies don’t always address the internal chaos or emotional overwhelm that can come with the diagnosis. This is where somatic therapy, a body-based approach to healing, is gaining attention as a powerful complementary option.

But what exactly is somatic therapy, and how could it help those with ADHD?

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy refers to therapeutic approaches that emphasize the connection between mind and body. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and behaviors, it includes body-based interventions like:

- Breathwork
- Movement or dance therapy
- Somatic experiencing (SE)
- Polyvagal-informed practices
- Tactile awareness and grounding exercises

These techniques aim to regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This is our internal command center that controls stress responses, arousal, and feelings of safety (Grassmann et al., 2025).

ADHD and the Nervous System: The Hidden Link

Many people with ADHD experience nervous system dysregulation. They may be stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, struggling to feel calm, focused, or safe in their bodies. According to Grassmann, Stupiggia & Porges (2025), individuals with ADHD often operate with low vagal tone. Their nervous systems have difficulty downshifting into a calm, grounded state. Dr. A. Bellato et al. (2023) also explain that autonomic nervous system dysfunction contributes to ADHD-related difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance.

How Somatic Therapy Helps

Here’s how somatic techniques can benefit people with ADHD:

• Breathwork: Activates the parasympathetic system, reducing anxiety (Armstrong, 2024)

• Somatic Experiencing: Resolves trauma/freeze responses (Popowitz, 2014)

• Polyvagal Yoga: Increases vagal tone, promoting calm and focus (Chillemi, 2025)

• Tactile Grounding: Anchors attention and reduces sensory overload (Dillon, 2022)

• Movement/Dance: Enhances interhemispheric integration (Pellow et al., 2011)

What the Research Says

• Massage and movement therapies improve somatic awareness and executive function (Sawni, 2008).

• Vestibular-focused somatic therapies stimulate attention and reduce hyperactivity (Arnold, 2001).

• Somatic music therapy benefits children with resistant ADHD symptoms (Rajabalee et al., 2022).

• Somatic interventions improve self-regulation in trauma-informed therapy (Popowitz, 2014).

• Yoga and somatic practices reduce hyperactivity (Pellow et al., 2011).

Body Before Behavior

One of the core principles of somatic therapy is this: regulate the body first, then regulate behavior. In the context of ADHD, this means helping the nervous system settle before asking the brain to focus, plan, or perform tasks.

Is it Right for Everyone?

Somatic therapy is not a replacement for medication or psychotherapy. Instead, it's a complementary approach that works especially well when integrated into a holistic ADHD treatment plan. It's also ideal for individuals who:

• Experience frequent emotional dysregulation

• Struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, or sensory overload

• Have co-occurring trauma histories

• Want to explore non-verbal healing modalities

Final Thoughts

While research is still emerging, the early evidence is promising. Somatic therapy offers a powerful pathway to help individuals with ADHD reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and improve their overall quality of life.

Sources:

Grassmann, H., Stupiggia, M., & Porges, S.W. (2025). Somatic-Oriented Therapies: Embodiment, Trauma, and Polyvagal Perspectives.

Sawni, A. (2008). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and complementary/alternative medicine. Adolesc Med.

Bellato, A., Wiersema, J. R., & Groom, M. J. (2023). Autonomic Nervous System Functioning in ADHD.

Arnold, L.E. (2001). Alternative treatments for adults with ADHD. Annals of the NY Academy of Sciences.

Pellow, J., Solomon, E.M., & Barnard, C.N. (2011). Complementary and alternative medical therapies for children with ADHD.

Rajabalee, N., Kozlowska, K., & Lee, S.Y. (2022). Neuromodulation Using Computer-Altered Music to Treat Functional Neurological Disorder.

Popowitz, C. (2014). Therapists’ Perspectives on Somatic Interventions in Childhood Trauma.

Chillemi, K. (2025). Using Brain Science of ADHD for Neuro-Affirming Practice.

Armstrong, A. (2024). Healing Through the Vagus Nerve.

Dillon, C. (2022). Holistic Integrative Therapies in Mental Health.