The Additional Therapeutic Effect of Group Music Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients: A Randomized Study

Journal

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Year

2007

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental disorders. Music therapy has only recently been introduced as a form of treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of music therapy for schizophrenic in-patients needing acute care. METHOD: Thirty-seven patients with psychotic disorders were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Both groups received medication and treatment indicated for their disorder. Additionally, the experimental group (n = 21) underwent group music therapy. RESULTS: Significant effects of music therapy are found in patients' self-evaluation of their psychosocial orientation and for negative symptoms. No differences were found in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: Musical activity diminishes negative symptoms and improves interpersonal contact. These positive effects of music therapy could increase the patient's abilities to adapt to the social environment in the community after discharge from the hospital.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Engagement Level; Interpersonal Problems; Mental Health; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Music in Combination with Other Techniques; Psychiatric Symptoms; Psychological Outcomes; Psychotic; Quality of Life; Recorded Music Listening; Self-Report Measures

Indexed Terms

Antipsychotic Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Depression; Germany; Hospitals, Psychiatric; Interpersonal Relations; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotherapy, Group; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Social Environment

Study Type

Quantitative Methods; Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed ID

17919155

Document Type

Article

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