Studies have shown that music therapy can be an effective component of depression treatment. According to the research cited, the use of music therapy was most beneficial to people with depression when it was combined with the usual treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.
When used in combination with other forms of treatment, music therapy may also help reduce obsessive thoughts , depression, and anxiety in people with OCD. In , researchers conducted a feasibility study that explored how music therapy could be combined with CBT to treat depression. While additional research is needed, the initial results were promising.
Many people find that music, or even white noise, helps them fall asleep. Research has shown that music therapy may be helpful for people with sleep disorders or insomnia as a symptom of depression.
Compared to pharmaceuticals and other commonly prescribed treatments for sleep disorders, music is less invasive, more affordable, and something a person can do on their own to self-manage their condition. Music has been explored as a potential strategy for acute and chronic pain management in all age groups.
Research has shown that listening to music when healing from surgery or an injury, for example, may help both kids and adults cope with physical pain. Music therapy may help reduce pain associated with:. Coping with a cancer diagnosis and going through cancer treatment is as much an emotional experience as a physical one. People with cancer often need different sources of support to take care of their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Music therapy has been shown to help reduce anxiety in people with cancer who are starting radiation treatments. It may also help them cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea.
On its own, music therapy may not constitute adequate treatment for medical conditions, including mental health disorders.
However, when combined with medication, psychotherapy , and other interventions, it can be a valuable component of a treatment plan. You'll also want to check your health insurance benefits prior to starting music therapy.
Your sessions may be covered or reimbursable under your plan, but you may need a referral from your doctor. They can connect you with practitioners in your community. The American Music Therapy Association AMTA also maintains a database of board-certified, credentialed professionals that you can use to find a practicing music therapist in your area. Depending on your goals, a typical music therapy session lasts between 30 and 50 minutes.
Much like you would plan sessions with a psychotherapist, you may choose to have a set schedule for music therapy—say, once a week—or you may choose to work with a music therapist on a more casual "as-needed" basis. Before your first session, you may want to talk things over with your music therapist so you know what to expect and can check in with your primary care physician if needed.
Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Aigen KS.
New York; The effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression of cancer patients. Indian J Palliat Care. Chung J, Woods-Giscombe C. Influence of dosage and type of music therapy in symptom management and rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia. Issues Ment Health Nurs. Music, Health, and Wellbeing. Oxford; This can be a fun and engaging way to achieve goals through music making, which may include:.
Re-creation interventions may be appropriate for a variety of populations, including children with developmental delays, those with acquired brain injury, or seniors with Dementia. Improvisation: Involves spontaneous music making using simple instruments, body percussion, or the voice. Some goals related to this category of intervention may include:.
This type of intervention may be appropriate with some populations, including those who are nonverbal, or feel uncomfortable expressing directly. It is an alternative to other types of therapy, such as counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy CBT.
Music therapy can include listening to music or creating music with instruments of all types. It may also involve singing or moving to music. It can help improve confidence, communication skills, independence, self-awareness and awareness of others, and concentration and attention skills. Improvisation can also be a key part of music therapy. This involves making music up on the spot in response to a mood or a theme, such as making the sound of a storm using drums and a rainstick.
The way that music affects the brain is very complex. All aspects of music — including pitch, tempo, and melody — are processed by different areas of the brain. For instance, the cerebellum processes rhythm, the frontal lobes decode the emotional signals created by the music, and a small portion of the right temporal lobe helps understand pitch.
The reward center of the brain, called the nucleus accumbens, can even produce strong physical signs of pleasure, such as goosebumps, when it hears powerful music. Music therapy can use these deep physical reactions the body has to music to help people with mental health conditions.
Music has been a part of human life for thousands of years. The use of music for therapy and healing dates back to Ancient Greece , but its therapeutic use today began in the 20th century , after World War II had ended. The s saw medical research into the therapeutic nature of music grow, and by the s, universities were offering music therapy programs. Thayer Gaston, one of three men who pioneered the use of music as a therapeutic tool, had organized and promoted the practice so that it would become an accepted type of therapy.
Now, there are many music therapy associations around the world, and music therapists work in private care, education, and social care. Music therapy does not rely on verbal communication, so it can be better for people who struggle to communicate verbally. This could be due to a disability, a neurodegenerative condition such as dementia , an acquired brain injury, or a mental health condition.
As CBT and counseling are both talking therapies, they may not be suitable for people who find verbal communication difficult.
Improved spiritual well-being. In a small study , just four minute music therapy sessions resulted in a significant increase in spiritual well-being — such as a greater acceptance of mortality, feelings of purpose, fulfillment and enjoyment in life, and optimism about the future — among hospice patients.
Music therapy can provide a creative, non-verbal outlet as well as neurological stimulation, resulting in far-reaching mental, physical, and emotional benefits.
Music therapy is considered a reimbursable service under benefits for partial hospitalization programs if it's specified in the physician's treatment plan, and a few U. When seeking out services, it's important to look for a board-certified therapist MT-BC to ensure they have the proper training and credentials to provide adequate services.
For more information on music therapy, experts recommend such resources as the Certification Board for Music Therapists , the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy , and the American Music Therapy Association — which offers a directory you can search to find a qualified music therapist in your area.
World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots. It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close.
Rebecca Strong. Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit our medical review board.
0コメント