Sobriety Foundation, Inc. (SFI) and Music Psychology Center (MPC) is now catering for mental health disorders with the utilization of Music-Enhanced Therapy. SFI/MPC deals with individuals with Bipolar and Schizophrenia. SFI Program Director George Gonzales and Clinical Head Dennis Dyoco, together with MPC Director Jose Maria G. Pelayo III, Phd, MusPsy are conducting innovative approaches for individuals with Extreme Mental Circuitry. Several patients from different psychiatric centers are now transferred to SFI for psychological intervention.
Music-Enhanced Therapy and Bipolar Disorder
Music can elicit strong feelings. One brain imaging study found it activates parts of the brain that play a crucial role in emotional and social bonds. Some research suggests that singing or listening to relaxing music may increase oxytocin, a chemical messenger molecule that helps promote trust, relaxation, and psychological stability.
Music-Enhanced Therapy and Schizophrenia
Approximately 60% to 80% of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experience auditory hallucinations, which have been linked to high levels of anxiety (75%) and severe depression (60%) in this population.1 In addition, auditory hallucinations are associated with an increased risk of harming oneself or others,2 and they have a negative effect on all aspects of daily life, including work, self-care, and relationships Quality of life is also significantly impaired in these patients.
Auditory hallucinations persist in up to 50% of patients, despite their receiving pharmacological therapies, underscoring the need for additional interventions to address these symptoms. Several psychosocial techniques have demonstrated effectiveness in this regard, including music therapy, which has been associated with significant reductions in symptoms, such as hallucinations, in various studies.
In a randomized controlled trial published online in August 2018 in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, researchers investigated the effects of a music intervention on quality of life and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations who were being treated at a Turkish hospital. Of the 28 patients (78.6% women) enrolled in the study, 14 were assigned to a music intervention based on the Rast tonality of Turkish music, which is said to affect the body “both physically and mentally, has effects on muscles, provides relaxation, and induces feelings of joy, peace, vitality, comfort, relief, and happiness,” and 14 were assigned to a non-music control group.
Music-Enhanced Therapy may help treat mental health conditions, including:
- Substance use disorder: Research indicates that music therapy may help improve mood, sense of purpose, and motivation to change in people with substance use disorder.
- Anxiety: A 2015 study found that music therapy helped relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
- Depression: A 2020 analysis of more than 50 studies links music therapy to reduced symptoms of depression. Music therapy that lasted 1–12 weeks appeared to be more effective than longer courses.
- Schizophrenia: A 2020 review of 18 studies found that music therapy helped reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with schizophrenia.
SOURCE: Pinar, S and Tel, H. (2018)