Red Light Therapy for ADHD: What the Latest Brain Photobiomodulation Research Says
Red Light Therapy in ADHD: What the Latest Research on Brain Photobiomodulation Says
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), is becoming one of the most promising areas of research into supporting cognitive function in individuals with ADHD. ADHD affects key brain systems responsible for attention, working memory, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Standard treatment primarily relies on stimulant medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, but these do not work for everyone and can cause side effects. This has led researchers to seek non-invasive methods that could support the attentional network without the need for pharmacotherapy.
In recent years, photobiomodulation has begun to attract researchers' attention because red and near-infrared light can affect neural cell metabolism, blood flow in the brain, and the activity of neural networks responsible for attention. Although research is still in its early stages, its results are promising enough that tPBM is beginning to be analyzed as a potential support for individuals with ADHD.
How Red Light Affects Brain Activity
Photobiomodulation works by light penetrating the scalp to the outer layers of the brain. The goal is not to heat the tissues, but to act on mitochondria — the energy centers of cells. The most important biological target is cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme crucial for ATP production. Upon light absorption, there can be an increase in energy production, improved oxygen utilization, changes in nitric oxide signaling, and increased blood flow in the stimulated areas.
Because neurons have enormous energy demands, improving their metabolism can affect the activity of neural networks responsible for attention, working memory, and executive functions. This is why photobiomodulation has become such an interesting research direction in the context of ADHD.
Why ADHD Research Focuses on the Prefrontal Cortex
In the context of ADHD, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) plays a special role. This is a brain area responsible for selective attention, working memory, decision-making, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Imaging studies show that in individuals with ADHD, dlPFC activity is often reduced during tasks requiring concentration, suggesting lower metabolic efficiency of these networks.
If photobiomodulation can improve mitochondrial function and blood flow in the dlPFC, it may also affect the functioning of attentional networks. This is why tPBM directed at the prefrontal cortex is generating so much interest among neurobiologists and clinicians.
Early Research on Red Light Therapy in ADHD
The first studies on the use of light in ADHD appeared in 2022 in the World Journal of Neuroscience. Researchers analyzed whether low-level laser therapy could improve cognitive functions in individuals with ADHD. The results were promising — some participants noticed an improvement in concentration, behavior, and reaction speed. The effects appeared quickly, suggesting that light can influence the activity of neural networks responsible for attention.
However, the study had limitations: a small number of participants and a lack of rigorous clinical design. Nevertheless, it provided important indications that photobiomodulation can modulate brain activity.
Latest Research Findings on tPBM and Concentration
In 2023, a preprint study was published that used a triple-blind, randomized crossover procedure in children with ADHD. The right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) was stimulated, and participants received both active stimulation and placebo.
The results were particularly interesting: selective attention improved, reaction times shortened, and brain activity measurements showed changes in areas responsible for attention control. Parents also reported an improvement in inattention symptoms. The study has not yet undergone full peer review but is one of the most advanced projects concerning tPBM in ADHD.
Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation in ADHD
Researchers identify several potential mechanisms of light therapy. The first is an increase in energy production in mitochondria, which can improve neural communication. The second is an improvement in blood flow in the brain through modulation of nitric oxide signaling and vasodilation. The third is an effect on large neural networks responsible for attention and executive functions. The fourth is a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, which can improve the functioning of nerve cells.
These mechanisms have not yet been confirmed in the ADHD population but have been observed in studies on healthy brain tissues.
Which Cognitive Functions Do Researchers Study
Researchers analyze the effect of tPBM on sustained attention, selective attention, working memory, reaction time, and behavioral indicators of inattention. Many studies also measure event-related potentials (ERPs), which show how the brain processes information. Changes in ERPs can appear earlier than behavioral improvements, making them a valuable research tool.
Safety of Red Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation is considered a non-invasive therapy and is usually well-tolerated. The most common mild side effects include a slight feeling of warmth on the skin and temporary fatigue. Serious adverse events have rarely been reported in the scientific literature. However, it is worth remembering that research protocols differ in parameters such as wavelength, power, exposure time, and frequency of treatments. Therapy for ADHD remains experimental.
Who Researches Photobiomodulation in ADHD
Interest in photobiomodulation comes from various environments: scientists study the effect of light on neural metabolism, clinicians analyze the effect on cognitive functions, parents of children with ADHD seek methods to support concentration, and adults are interested in technologies that improve cognitive performance.
What Direction Is Research Heading
The most important directions of development include larger, well-designed clinical trials, precise determination of stimulation sites on the scalp, the development of wearable devices, and an analysis of whether combining tPBM with behavioral therapy, cognitive training, or medication can yield better results.
Can Red Light Therapy Help with ADHD
The research results are promising, but red light therapy remains an experimental method. Early data suggest that tPBM can affect dlPFC activity, selective attention, and reaction time. However, there is a lack of standardization and large clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness of this method.
Lumaflex Devices – Professional Photobiomodulation
If you are interested in red light therapy, discover Lumaflex devices – portable LED systems that use photobiomodulation to support regeneration, pain reduction, and performance improvement. Our Body Pro, Essential, and Premium versions are designed for professional use in sports, rehabilitation, and daily regeneration.
Scientific Sources
- Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002 (doi.org in Bing)
- Hennessy, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Photobiomodulation and the brain: A new paradigm. Journal of Optics, 19(1).
https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/19/1/013003 (doi.org in Bing)
- Salehpour, F., et al. (2018). Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy: A novel method for treatment of neurological disorders. BMC Neuroscience, 19, 1–14.
- Rojas, J. C., & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain. Eye and Brain, 5, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.2147/EB.S29391
- Gonzalez-Lima, F., & Barrett, D. W. (2014). Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, 8.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2014.00036 (doi.org in Bing)
- World Journal of Neuroscience Study (2022). Low level laser therapy for ADHD symptoms.
https://doi.org/10.4236/wjns.2022.123015 (doi.org in Bing)
- Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Attention Study (2025 Preprint).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2023.538308 (doi.org in Bing)
Red Light Therapy in ADHD: What the Latest Research on Brain Photobiomodulation Says
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), is becoming one of the most promising areas of research into supporting cognitive function in individuals with ADHD. ADHD affects key brain systems responsible for attention, working memory, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Standard treatment primarily relies on stimulant medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, but these do not work for everyone and can cause side effects. This has led researchers to seek non-invasive methods that could support the attentional network without the need for pharmacotherapy.
In recent years, photobiomodulation has begun to attract researchers' attention because red and near-infrared light can affect neural cell metabolism, blood flow in the brain, and the activity of neural networks responsible for attention. Although research is still in its early stages, its results are promising enough that tPBM is beginning to be analyzed as a potential support for individuals with ADHD.
How Red Light Affects Brain Activity
Photobiomodulation works by light penetrating the scalp to the outer layers of the brain. The goal is not to heat the tissues, but to act on mitochondria — the energy centers of cells. The most important biological target is cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme crucial for ATP production. Upon light absorption, there can be an increase in energy production, improved oxygen utilization, changes in nitric oxide signaling, and increased blood flow in the stimulated areas.
Because neurons have enormous energy demands, improving their metabolism can affect the activity of neural networks responsible for attention, working memory, and executive functions. This is why photobiomodulation has become such an interesting research direction in the context of ADHD.
Why ADHD Research Focuses on the Prefrontal Cortex
In the context of ADHD, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) plays a special role. This is a brain area responsible for selective attention, working memory, decision-making, impulse control, and behavioral regulation. Imaging studies show that in individuals with ADHD, dlPFC activity is often reduced during tasks requiring concentration, suggesting lower metabolic efficiency of these networks.
If photobiomodulation can improve mitochondrial function and blood flow in the dlPFC, it may also affect the functioning of attentional networks. This is why tPBM directed at the prefrontal cortex is generating so much interest among neurobiologists and clinicians.
Early Research on Red Light Therapy in ADHD
The first studies on the use of light in ADHD appeared in 2022 in the World Journal of Neuroscience. Researchers analyzed whether low-level laser therapy could improve cognitive functions in individuals with ADHD. The results were promising — some participants noticed an improvement in concentration, behavior, and reaction speed. The effects appeared quickly, suggesting that light can influence the activity of neural networks responsible for attention.
However, the study had limitations: a small number of participants and a lack of rigorous clinical design. Nevertheless, it provided important indications that photobiomodulation can modulate brain activity.
Latest Research Findings on tPBM and Concentration
In 2023, a preprint study was published that used a triple-blind, randomized crossover procedure in children with ADHD. The right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) was stimulated, and participants received both active stimulation and placebo.
The results were particularly interesting: selective attention improved, reaction times shortened, and brain activity measurements showed changes in areas responsible for attention control. Parents also reported an improvement in inattention symptoms. The study has not yet undergone full peer review but is one of the most advanced projects concerning tPBM in ADHD.
Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation in ADHD
Researchers identify several potential mechanisms of light therapy. The first is an increase in energy production in mitochondria, which can improve neural communication. The second is an improvement in blood flow in the brain through modulation of nitric oxide signaling and vasodilation. The third is an effect on large neural networks responsible for attention and executive functions. The fourth is a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, which can improve the functioning of nerve cells.
These mechanisms have not yet been confirmed in the ADHD population but have been observed in studies on healthy brain tissues.
Which Cognitive Functions Do Researchers Study
Researchers analyze the effect of tPBM on sustained attention, selective attention, working memory, reaction time, and behavioral indicators of inattention. Many studies also measure event-related potentials (ERPs), which show how the brain processes information. Changes in ERPs can appear earlier than behavioral improvements, making them a valuable research tool.
Safety of Red Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation is considered a non-invasive therapy and is usually well-tolerated. The most common mild side effects include a slight feeling of warmth on the skin and temporary fatigue. Serious adverse events have rarely been reported in the scientific literature. However, it is worth remembering that research protocols differ in parameters such as wavelength, power, exposure time, and frequency of treatments. Therapy for ADHD remains experimental.
Who Researches Photobiomodulation in ADHD
Interest in photobiomodulation comes from various environments: scientists study the effect of light on neural metabolism, clinicians analyze the effect on cognitive functions, parents of children with ADHD seek methods to support concentration, and adults are interested in technologies that improve cognitive performance.
What Direction Is Research Heading
The most important directions of development include larger, well-designed clinical trials, precise determination of stimulation sites on the scalp, the development of wearable devices, and an analysis of whether combining tPBM with behavioral therapy, cognitive training, or medication can yield better results.
Can Red Light Therapy Help with ADHD
The research results are promising, but red light therapy remains an experimental method. Early data suggest that tPBM can affect dlPFC activity, selective attention, and reaction time. However, there is a lack of standardization and large clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness of this method.
Lumaflex Devices – Professional Photobiomodulation
If you are interested in red light therapy, discover Lumaflex devices – portable LED systems that use photobiomodulation to support regeneration, pain reduction, and performance improvement. Our Body Pro, Essential, and Premium versions are designed for professional use in sports, rehabilitation, and daily regeneration.
Scientific Sources
- Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002(doi.org in Bing) - Hennessy, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Photobiomodulation and the brain: A new paradigm. Journal of Optics, 19(1).
https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/19/1/013003(doi.org in Bing) - Salehpour, F., et al. (2018). Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy: A novel method for treatment of neurological disorders. BMC Neuroscience, 19, 1–14.
- Rojas, J. C., & Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain. Eye and Brain, 5, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.2147/EB.S29391
- Gonzalez-Lima, F., & Barrett, D. W. (2014). Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, 8.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2014.00036(doi.org in Bing) - World Journal of Neuroscience Study (2022). Low level laser therapy for ADHD symptoms.
https://doi.org/10.4236/wjns.2022.123015(doi.org in Bing) - Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Attention Study (2025 Preprint).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2023.538308(doi.org in Bing)
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