Blue hues are known for slowing down the heart rate, reducing respiratory rhythm, and encouraging calm and focus. In general, stick with muted or pastel shades, and avoid primary colors.
Specifically, we hypothesised that children with ADHD will exhibit blue–yellow colour perception deficits associated with abnormalities in retinal dopaminergic neurotransmission (Tannock et al., under review).
Specifically, color perception has been reported to be altered in ADHD population (appendix B). For instance, in our previous study, young adults with ADHD reported significantly more self-perceived visual difficulties in everyday tasks as well as poorer hue discrimination specifically for blue stimuli.
The Right Paper
Pastel-colored paper, on the other hand, is easier on the eyes, and will reduce glare on the page. Students may find that using a specific color paper, such as light blue or green, makes it easier for them to read and write. The use of color adds a bit of novelty to the stimulation-loving ADHD brain.
ADHD adults are visual people. Color coding your environment has a positive effect on you noticing, remembering, organizing and generally being more effective both at work and at home.
Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. Research has shown that it is linked to certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, and may also cause other neurobehavioral effects in children. People can check for red dye 40 on food labels if they wish to limit their intake.
The colors we use to describe emotions may be more useful than you think, according to new research. The study found that people with or anxiety were more likely to associate their mood with the color gray, while preferred yellow.
ADHD Rainbow Butterfly Symbol
The butterfly symbol pictured below resonated with many, symbolizing how ADHD minds typically flit from one thing to the next. The rainbow butterfly symbol pictured is a current popular version. Popular ADHD rainbow butterfly awareness symbol.
Bright, bold and vibrant colors work best. However, any color that contrasts with your background will serve you well. Shades of yellow, orange, red, green, purple and blue are all excellent color choices to grab a user's attention.
Trish Buscemi, a specialist who creates calm interiors for those with cognitive learning challenges, recommends blue, green, and muted brown towns for bedrooms of children with ADHD. These gentle hues actually work well with people of all ages seeking a space that inspires rest and calm.
Teal is the universal color used and recognized to bring awareness to OCD.
In addition, persons with ADHD also report strong sensitivity to bright light, known as photophobia. In fact, a 2014 study found that nearly 70% of individuals self-identified as photophobic—more than twice the number of people without ADHD symptoms.
Based on research, including Nigg's own review of the literature in 2012, synthetic food dyes do cause increased hyperactivity.
Artificial colors do react adversely with ADHD symptoms in some children. The studies on sugar and artificial colors had negligible results as well, thwarting the theory that sugar and artificial sweeteners cause ADHD symptoms.
A report earlier this year from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) similarly found that Black children were more likely to have been diagnosed with ADHD or learning disability compared to white and Hispanic children.
1) Green: Concentration
Low wavelength colors promote restfulness and calm, and they improve efficiency and focus. So that's why green is an excellent color for improving concentration. Apart from being one of the easiest colors on the eyes, it reminds us of nature. That's why TV stars stay in the 'green room'.
Blue – A highly peaceful color, blue can be especially helpful for stress management because it can encourage a powerful sense of calm. Purple – In many cultures, shades of violet represent strength, wisdom and peace. Purple can invoke a tranquil feeling that helps reduce stress.
Blue is a soothing color, helping calm the mind and aid concentration. It's no wonder then that blue is a popular color to use in office spaces.
We see the dandelion as symbolising the ability to rise above life's challenges. People with ADHD can overcome obstacles through the use of their intelligence and connections with people who can share mutual support in facing life's challenges.
These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage.
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
"Shades of blue or green are always very calming. Blues are especially known to have a relaxing effect perfect for creating a serene feeling at home," says Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of Clare Paint.
Depressing colors that are dark and muted, like black and grey, for example, also evoke feelings of sadness. Neutral colors like brown and beige can also have this effect on emotions.
Blue light
According to a 2017 study in the scientific journal PLOS ONE (9), blue lighting “accelerates the relaxation process after stress in comparison with conventional white lighting.” This study found that stressed people immersed in blue light relaxed three times as quickly as in white light.