Music therapy and neuro-behavioural disorders stemming from abi

Hitchen, H., Magee, W.L., & Soeterik, S. (2010). Music therapy in the treatment of patients with neuro-behavioural disorders stemming from acquired brain injury. <em>Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 19</em>(1), p. 63-78.

Affiliations:
1) The Childrens Trust, Tadworth Court, Surrey
2) Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, London

Abstract:

People with neuro-behavioural disorders following brain damage present carers with many challenges, particularly in cases where receptive language may be compromised. Music therapy can reduce behaviours such as anxiety and agitation, and promote positive behaviours in this population. However, empirical and descriptive investigations are lacking. Two single cases illustrate music therapy as part of an interdisciplinary treatment for adults with acquired complex neuro- behavioural disorders. We describe the inclusion of music therapy interventions delivered in graded programmes with two patients with challenging neuro-behavioural disorders. Improved functional abilities included participation and task completion in personal care tasks; acquisition and consistency of spoken language; increased independence; and decreased episodes of challenging behaviour during functional tasks. The findings suggest that music therapy may be effective in decreasing agitation and anxiety, overcoming initiation difficulties, and promoting positive behaviours in populations with neuro-behavioural disorders. Further investigation into the effects of music therapy with adults with neuro-behavioural disorders would assist with providing additional interventions to verbal de-escalation techniques.

Weblink:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08098130903086404#.UyESMlFdUxk
doi:10.1080/08098130903086404