Music Therapy: A Helpful Add-On to Traditional Therapy for Depression

Music has long been known to affect mood - but can it relieve Depression?  According to recent studies, Music Therapy, which typically combines traditional "Talk Therapy" with listening to music or creating it, may work to alleviate Depression in several ways.

·       Playing an instrument allows depressed people to express themselves non verbally when they  can't easily talk about how they feel.

·       Listening to soothing music helps others relax so they're better able to let go of feelings that are troubling.

·        Still others may find that sharing a musical experience with a Therapist - playing or listening -  help them feel more comfortable discussing their problems and feelings.

Music Therapy is either active or receptive and does not require prior musical background or abilities.

·         In Active Music Therapy, the Therapist and the patient improvise, recreate, or compose music using a drum, mallet instrument or the voice. The goal is for the patient to share thoughts and feelings that arise with the music making and, as a result, develop insight into his or her problems.

·         In Receptive Music Therapy, patients listen to music while meditating, drawing or reminiscing. This process allows patients to improve their mood and develop coping and relaxation skills.

The duration and frequency of Music Therapy Sessions vary, but they typically last 20 minutes to one hour. Patients may undergo sessions daily, weekly or monthly. Music Therapy Sessions can take place in a group or individually in a hospital, therapist's office or patient's home.

What the Research shows

Some studies of music therapy for depression have been encouraging. A review of five small randomized, controlled trials found that in four of the studies, depressive symptoms were reduced more in patients who participated in music therapy than in those who received standard treatment. However, the methodological quality of these studies was moderate to poor, and the types of music therapy and standard treatments used and patients studied varied considerably.

Is Music Therapy right for you? 

Although Music Therapy appears to be helpful, it's likely most suitable as an add-on to traditional therapies such as medication and other forms of psychotherapy. Anyone receiving treatment for depression should first discuss the use of Music Therapy with his or her health care provider.

(Source: John Hopkins Health Alert, posted in Depression and Anxiety on April 2, 2013)