Music Therapy for In-patients With Schizophrenia: Exploratory Randomised Controlled Trial

Journal

British Journal of Psychiatry

Year

2006

Volume

189

First Page

405

Last Page

9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Music therapy may provide a means of improving mental health among people with schizophrenia, but its effects in acute psychoses have not been explored. AIMS: To examine the feasibility of a randomised trial of music therapy for inpatients with schizophrenia, and explore its effects on mental health. METHOD: Up to 12 weeks of individual music therapy plus standard care were compared with standard care alone. Masked assessments of mental health, global functioning and satisfaction with care were conducted at 3 months. RESULTS: Of 115 eligible patients 81 (70%) were randomised. Two-thirds of those randomised to music therapy attended at least four sessions (median attendance, eight sessions). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a trend towards improved symptom scores among those randomised to music therapy, especially in general symptoms of schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: A randomised trial of music therapy for in-patients with schizophrenia is feasible. The effects and cost-effectiveness of music therapy for acute psychosis should be further explored in an explanatory randomised trial.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Functional Assessments; Hospital Setting; Hospitalized Patients; Mental Health; Patient Satisfaction; Psychiatric Symptoms; Psychological Outcomes; Psychotic Disorders; Quality of Life; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

Feasibility Studies; Schizophrenia

Study Type

Quantitative Methods; Randomized Controlled Trial

Disciplines

Psychiatric and Mental Health

PubMed ID

17077429

Document Type

Article

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