Article at Mentally Healthy about a study from Finland that shows how making music helps alleviate symptoms of depression

In Finland,  the standard treatment for depression  includes medication (antidepressants), 5-6 individual psychotherapy sessions and psychiatric counselling. In the study that was complemented by 18 one hour music therapy sessions.Each music therapy session was one-on-one and lasted for an hour. The sessions took place twice a week with trained music therapists.  Each participant was helped to improvise music using drums and other percussion instruments.

Each participant attended an average of 18 music therapy sessions.  88% (29 participants) attended at least 15 sessions.  The participants in both groups were followed up at three months and six months and assessed for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

‘Our trial has shown that music therapy, when added to standard care including medication, psychotherapy and counselling, helps people to improve their levels of depression and anxiety.’ Professor Gold said.  ‘Music therapy has specific qualities that allow people to express themselves and interact in a non-verbal way, even in situations when they cannot find the words to describe their inner experiences.’

read oriinal at http://paper.li/444blackcat/1310824821

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