Mental and Emotional Health

Music plays a significant and evidence-supported role in the treatment of mental illnesses. It is used both as a standalone intervention and as part of broader therapeutic approaches in conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia², depression³, PTSD⁴, and bipolar disorder. Music influences brain areas associated with emotion, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. It can help patients identify, express, and manage their emotions. Slow, rhythmic music helps lower cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Music therapy encourages

• interaction and bonding, especially for those with social withdrawal or communication challenges.
• a non-verbal, emotionally safe space for trauma survivors to explore and express their experiences.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Music reduces anxiety in patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or invasive procedures like MRI scans.

Mood Regulation: Listening to or creating music can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, especially in those facing long-term illness.

Cognitive Function: In Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, familiar music can improve memory recall and reduce agitation.

Music is a clinically effective, emotionally accessible tool in treating mental illness. It helps regulate emotions, reduces symptoms, fosters communication, and enhances quality of life. Evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and clinical trials strongly supports the integration of this approach into mental health care.

Social and Developmental Support

Enhanced Social Interaction: Group music activities foster connection and cooperation, particularly beneficial for children, older adults, or individuals in psychiatric care.

Developmental Support in Children: Music aids language development, motor skills, and emotional growth in pediatric patients with developmental delays or disabilities.

Scientific Backing and Professional Practice

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice delivered by certified music the

rapists. Studies in neuroscience⁵ show that music stimulates multiple brain regions, supporting its wide-ranging therapeutic effects. It’s recognized by institutions like the American Music Therapy Association and is increasingly integrated into holistic patient care. Many studies indicate that dopamine modulates the reward experience, supporting its role in lifting mood.⁶

What Genre of Music Works Best in Patients where Music Has been Shown to Work?

The therapeutic effects of music vary depending on the healthcare condition, but specific genres have been shown to have powerful benefits in research. Here’s a summary of genres with the most documented therapeutic effects and the conditions they’re most useful for:

Gospel / Religious Music

Best for:

• Palliative care
• Emotional support in serious illness
• Spiritual distress

Why it works:

Combining emotional comfort, community identity, and hope helps patients cope with existential or end-of-life stress.

While it is clear that there is no “one-size-fits-all genre” that is best for all conditions, it is evident that classical and ambient music are best for general relaxation and stress. Additionally, personalized favorite music is beneficial for individuals with memory-related conditions. Rhythmic, upbeat music supports motor recovery, and religious or spiritual music provides emotional and existential support.

FGCU Teaches Medical Students the Use of Music in Mental Patient Situations.

Readers may be interested to know that Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers a music therapy program that focuses on utilizing music to enhance the mental health and well-being of individuals. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and provides students with the musical, clinical, and professional skills needed to excel in the field. Graduates are eligible to become board-certified music therapists.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Evidence-based approach:

The program emphasizes the use of music therapy techniques that are supported by research.

• Clinical training:

Students gain practical experience working with individuals in various settings, including hospitals and schools.

• Interdisciplinary approach:

The program incorporates training alongside other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and psychologists.

In Summary.

​Music in healthcare isn’t just entertainment; it’s a form of medicine. It engages the body, mind, and spirit, making it a powerful tool for healing, comfort, and communication. It should be noted that music therapy is not a cure but a significant adjunct to psychotherapy, medication, and other interventions. A trained music therapist should ideally provide this treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Personalized approaches matter. Genre, tempo, and personal musical preferences influence outcomes.

Evaluating the effect of music as an adjunct to treatments involves a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Utilizing a blend of physiological, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral measures enables clinicians to assess their impact holistically. Clinicians examine both measurable changes (such as heart rate or cognitive function) and qualitative improvements (like mood and emotional well-being) to determine the additive effect of music when combined with conventional treatment approaches.

Additional Important Information.

Lee Health has a strong program where music therapy is used at the Golisano Children’s Hospital. This program is made possible solely through the generosity of donors who appreciate the value of music on the healing journey of children. Unfortunately, Engage Estero has been advised that Lee Health has struggled to expand its use in adults, although there is a great volunteer corps that often brings music to the lobbies of the hospitals.

There remains an interest by physicians and other clinicians in integrating music therapy into treatment protocols. However, increased philanthropy or changes to the healthcare reimbursement methodology will be needed for it to become more prevalent. 

An approach worthy of serious consideration.

References:

1. Music therapy for stress reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Martina de Witte, Ana da Silva Pinho, Geert-Jan Stams, Xavier Moonen, Arjan E R Bos, Susan van Hooren, Health Psychology Review. 2022 Mar.16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33176590/
2. Music therapy for schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like disorders. Geretsegger M, Mössler KA, Bieleninik Ł, Chen X, Heldal T, Gold. 29 May 2017.  https://www.cochrane.org/CD004025/SCHIZ_music-therapy-schizophrenia-or-schizophrenia-disorders.
3. Effects of music therapy on depression: Qishou Tang, Zhaohui Huang, Huan Zhou, Peijie Ye, Editor: Sukru Torun, Nov.18th, 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7673528/
4. Harvard Review of Psychiatry (July/Aug 2019): Found strong support for music therapy in treating PTSD among veterans and survivors of abuse. https://journals.lww.com/hrpjournal/toc/2019/07000
5. Investigating emotion with music: An fMRI study. Stefan Koelsch,, Thomas Fritz, D Yves v Cramon, Karsten Müller, Angela D Friederici, Aug 2 2005, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6871371/
6. Dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music, supporting its role in lifting mood. Laura Ferreri, Ernest Mas-Herrero, Robert J Zatorre, Pablo Ripollés, Alba Gomez-Andres, Helena Alicart, Guillem Olivé, Josep Marco-Pallarés, Rosa M Antonijoan, Marta Valle, Jordi Riba, Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells, Jan 22^nd https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6397525/

Disclaimer

Engage Estero provides information as a service to our readers and is not intending to provide individual medical advice. Always consult with medical professionals or emergency services before changing or initiating medical treatment..