Effects of group musical therapy on inpatients with schizophrenia: A preliminary study

Background: Since ancient times, music has been used as a therapy method and has been considered to have some good effects on the human body and mental health (1, 2, 5). Music might have beneficial effects on human life such as physiological functions, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning. There is a wide acceptance about musical therapy practices for various disorders. This generalization may mean that schizophrenia patients could have some benefits from musical therapy, too (1- 3). There is not enough scientific evidence emphasizing the efficacy of musical therapy which is applied to severe mental disorders and has recovery potential for some deficits (2, 4).

Objectives: The first aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of music therapy for inpatients with schizophrenia, who need acute care and also to explore its effects on mental health, general psychosocial functioning, and satisfaction with patient care.

Method: Forty-five patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to a study group (n=15) and a control (n=30) group in a ward for female schizophrenia inpatients. Both groups received medication and standard care for their disorder. Additionally, the study group underwent group music therapy with classical Turkish music tones for twelve sessions over four weeks. The assessment included measures of psychotic symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and quality of life and subjective satisfaction with musical experiences. All of the measurement tools were applied before the randomization and weekly until the study was completed.

Results: This study demonstrated that music therapy for schizophrenia inpatients, who need acute care because of psychotic excitation, is feasible. The comparison of the groups also showed that music therapy has significant advantages on improvement of interpersonal relationships and general psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions: This study is the first musical group therapy trial with classical Turkish music tones in schizophrenic patients. Musical activity diminishes negative symptoms, reduces social isolation, and improves patients' abilities to adapt to the social environment in the community after discharge from the hospital. Therefore, music therapy may increase the therapeutic alliance of schizophrenic patients in the long term.

References:

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