25 Aug Music Could Hold the Key to Developing Effective Mental Health Interventions
ABSTRACT: A meta-analysis of more than 80 clinical trials found that receptive treatment significantly reduced anxiety for surgery patients, while another based on 32 studies found similar results for people suffering from anxiety. The effect size was comparable to, and in some cases greater than, the estimated effectiveness of some pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies to treat anxiety. Similarly, combining music therapy with antidepressant use showed greater effectiveness in treating depression than traditional treatment.
Rhythm has been incorporated into music therapies for motor and sensory functions but is now increasingly used in mental health treatments. A meta-analysis found that these music therapies were beneficial in improving emotional well-being, motivation, and mood compared to traditional care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Listening to music has also been associated with better mental health after strokes and improved cognitive function. Researchers have hypothesized that rhythm has these therapeutic effects by disrupting maladaptive brain activity patterns such as negative ruminations.
Medical practitioners have reason to believe that music therapy can treat these conditions by reducing apathy, improving communication, and alleviating fatigue.
The value of the social aspect of engaging with music is borne out by studies that find improvements in non-verbal communication, self-esteem, and behavioral adaptation for children with autism. Schizophrenia patients have also experienced improvements in social functioning and a reduction in poor social interactions and apathy through music therapy as compared to antipsychotic medication. Those with Alzheimer’s disease may also benefit.
AUTHOR SUMMARY: Priyanjana Pramianik, MSc.
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